Washing your hands with soap is best, but if you don't have soap or water, hand sanitizer is next best on the list. Commercial disinfectants can be expensive, and with these in short supply due to COVID-19, you may need to make your own. Making your own hand sanitizer is a simple process that results in a formula that you can customize to suit your personal preferences.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
This disinfectant is very similar to the commercial type of disinfectant, without all the chemicals and unpleasant smell. Hand sanitizer shouldn't replace hand washing, meaning you should only use it when you really need it. This is what you will need:
- 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or 190-proof alcohol. Do not substitute other strengths of alcohol.
- 1/3 cup of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives).
- 8-10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender, cloves, cinnamon, or peppermint.
- Mixing bowl.
- Spoon.
- Funnel.
- Plastic container.
Step 2. Mix the alcohol and aloe vera gel in the bowl
Pour the ingredients into the bowl and use a spoon to mix them well. The mixture should be without any lumps.
- If you want the solution to be thicker, add another tablespoon of aloe vera.
- You can also dilute it further by adding another tablespoon of rubbing alcohol.
Step 3. Add essential oils
Add one drop at a time, stirring the mixture as you add each drop. After adding the 8 drops, smell the mixture to see if you like the aroma. If it seems strong enough to you, stop there. If you'd prefer a stronger scent, add a few more drops.
Use whatever scent you enjoy. Lavender, cloves, cinnamon, mint, lemon, grapefruit, and passion fruit are good choices
Step 4. Pass the mixture through a funnel to place it in the container
Place the funnel in the mouth of the container and pour in the disinfectant. Fill it up and then close it with the lid until you are ready to use it.
- A small sprayer works well if you want to carry the sanitizer with you throughout the day.
- If you're over-preparing for the bottle, store the remaining sanitizer in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Method 2 of 2: Witch Hazel-Based Hand Cleaning Solution
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
Some people prefer not to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, as it contains a strong scent and could be very drying to the skin. Witch hazel solutions are not effective against viruses and bacteria.
Tea tree oil provides additional antiseptic benefits. This is what you will need:
- 1 cup of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons witch hazel
- 30 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint
- mixing bowl
- spoon
- funnel
- plastic container
Step 2. Remove the aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and witch hazel
If the mixture seems too watery, add another tablespoon of aloe vera to thicken it. If it's too thick, add another tablespoon of witch hazel.
Step 3. Remove the essential oil
Since the aroma of tea tree oil is already strong, use that essential oil in moderation. About five drops should be enough, but if you want to add more, stir one drop at a time.
Step 4. Pass the mixture through a funnel to place it in the container
Place the funnel in the mouth of the container and pour in the hand cleaning solution. Fill it up and then close it with the lid until you are ready to use it.
- A small sprayer works well if you want to carry the cleaning solution with you throughout the day.
- If you're over-preparing for the bottle, store the remaining cleaning solution in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
WikiHow Video: How to Make Hand Sanitizer
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