Buzz
Washing hands with soap is undoubtedly more effective, but if soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizer is the best alternative. Store-bought hand sanitizers can be expensive, and with the current supply shortages due to COVID-19, you might need to make your own. The process of creating hand sanitizer is simple and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Steps
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Gather the ingredients. This type of hand sanitizer is similar to commercial products but without harsh chemicals or unpleasant scents. Hand sanitizer should not replace handwashing; use it only when necessary. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ⅔ cup of 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or 190-proof grain alcohol (Do not substitute with other concentrated alcohols.)
- ⅓ cup of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 8-10 drops of essential oils like lavender, clove, cinnamon, or peppermint
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic bottle
Mix alcohol and aloe vera gel in a bowl. Pour the ingredients into the bowl and stir thoroughly with a spoon. The mixture should be stirred until smooth.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Alternatively, thin the mixture by adding an additional tablespoon of alcohol.
Add essential oils. Incorporate the essential oils drop by drop, stirring the mixture after each addition. After adding about 8 drops, smell the mixture to see if you’re satisfied with the fragrance. Stop adding oils if the scent is pleasant. For a stronger aroma, you can add a few more drops.
- Use any fragrance you enjoy. Scents like lavender, clove, cinnamon, peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, and passionfruit are all suitable options.
Pour the solution into a bottle. Place a funnel over the bottle’s opening and carefully pour the hand sanitizer into it. Fill the bottle, then seal it tightly for use when needed.
- A small spray bottle is more convenient if you plan to carry the hand sanitizer with you on the go.
- If there’s leftover solution, store it in a tightly sealed container.
Witch Hazel-Based Hand Sanitizer
Gather the ingredients. Many people avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to their strong odor and drying effect on the skin. However, witch hazel-based hand sanitizers are not effective against viruses and bacteria. If your goal is to protect yourself from viruses, do not rely on this type of hand sanitizer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 1.5 teaspoons of witch hazel extract
- 30 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic bottle
Mix aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and witch hazel extract. If the mixture appears too runny, add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel to thicken it. If it’s too thick, incorporate a tablespoon of witch hazel extract.
Add essential oils. Since tea tree oil already has a strong scent, you don’t need to add much essential oil at this stage. About 5 drops should suffice, but if you prefer a stronger aroma, add one drop at a time.
Pour the solution into a bottle. Place a funnel over the bottle’s opening and carefully transfer the hand sanitizer into it. Fill the bottle, seal it tightly, and use it as needed.
- A small spray bottle is more practical if you plan to carry the hand sanitizer with you.
- Store any leftover solution in a tightly sealed container.
Warnings
- Avoid getting the solution in your eyes! If it accidentally comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them immediately or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
