Washing hands with soap is the best option. However, when soap and water are not available, you can use hand sanitizer. Although hand sanitizer can usually be purchased at a fairly cheap price, the threat of COVID-19 makes these products sometimes difficult to find so you have to make your own. Making your own hand sanitizer is actually quite simple with a formula that can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Step
Method 1 of 2: With Alcohol Base
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
This hand sanitizer is very similar to commercial hand sanitizer, with no chemicals and no strong smell. Hand sanitizer should not be used as a substitute for washing hands with soap and water; use it when you really need it. Here's what you need:
- 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol 99% or 95% alcohol
- 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 8-10 drops of essential oil such as lavender, clove, cinnamon, or peppermint oil
- Bowl for mixing ingredients
- Spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic container
Step 2. Mix the alcohol and aloe vera gel in a bowl
Pour the ingredients into a bowl and use a spoon to mix them. The mixture should be completely smooth.
- If you want a thicker solution, add a tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Or dilute it by adding a tablespoon of alcohol.
Step 3. Add essential oil
Add each drop successively, while continuing to stir. After 8 drops, smell the vapors of this mixture to see if you like the smell or not. If the smell is strong enough, stop. If you like a stronger scent, add a few more drops of essential oil.
Choose an oil with a scent you like. Lavender, clove, peppermint, cinnamon, and lemon oils are all suitable
Step 4. Pour the mixture into a container with a funnel
Place the funnel over the mouth of the container and pour the hand sanitizer. Fill this liquid to the brim, then tighten the lid until it's ready to use.
- You can use a small spray bottle if you want to carry this hand sanitizer with you throughout the day.
- If you find that there is too much of this cleaning liquid to fit in the bottle, store the rest in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Method 2 of 2: With “Witch Hazel” Base Ingredients
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
Some people prefer to use non-alcoholic hand sanitizer because it has a sharp aroma and can dry out hands. Although it can be an alternative, unfortunately witch hazel is not effective against viruses and bacteria.
If your goal is to protect yourself from the coronavirus, don't use this type of hand sanitizer. Meanwhile, here are the ingredients you'll need to make it:
- 250 ml aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 30 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic container
Step 2. Stir in aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and witch hazel
If the result is too runny, add a tablespoon of aloe vera to thicken it. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of witch hazel.
Step 3. Add the essential oil
Since the aroma of tea tree oil is already strong, don't add too much essential oil. About five drops is enough, but if you want to add more, add just one drop.
Step 4. Pour the mixture into a container with a funnel
Place the funnel over the mouth of the container and pour the hand sanitizer. Fill this liquid to the brim, then tighten the lid until it's ready to use.
- You can use a small spray bottle if you want to carry this hand sanitizer with you throughout the day.
- If you find that there is too much of this cleaning liquid to fit in the bottle, store the rest in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
