DIY Hand Sanitizer

DIY Hand Sanitizer - Homemade hand sanitizer recipe that's only two ingredients and super easy to make.

This post may include affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.

This hand sanitizer recipe follows recommendations and ratios set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

THE CORONAVIRUS "SCARE"

So, we're starting to see effects of Coronavirus spread through parts of the Midwest now. It's most visible in our local stores. Bleach, paper toweling, bottled water, medical masks, disinfecting wipes, toilet paper and hand sanitizer are just a few of the items that have been flying off the shelves as of late. 

I received a message from my daughter's teacher that they needed more hand sanitizer for their classroom. She had to reach out to parents, because there's none available in the stores right now. That's when I got a little upset.

I have a feeling there are people out there with shelves stocked with hand sanitizer at home while my daughter's class is running out. That's not okay.

Now, don't get me wrong. I completely agree with all of us doing whatever we can to take care of our families. I just think it's sad we're faced with this right now, and people who actually need supplies aren't able to obtain them.

HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER RECIPE

So, today, I'm sharing a recipe for homemade hand sanitizer. If you find yourself in a situation where you've run out and aren't able to purchase it, now you can make your own.

The aloe vera gel that's used in the recipe I'm sharing today has been tough to come by lately, too. ☹️Good thing I still had some in my bathroom cabinet.

Just remember, sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. Why soap isn't flying off the shelves along with the hand sanitizer, I don't understand.

Just wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) and keep them away from your face. Am I right?

Ok, let's make this sanitizer. 

HOW TO MAKE HAND SANITIZER:

To make your own hand sanitizer, you'll need:

• 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol
• 100% aloe vera gel
• 8-10 drops essential or fragrance oil, optional
• Mixing bowl
• Small spatula
• Small funnel
• Container(s) to put sanitizer in

Begin by adding ⅓ cup aloe vera gel to a mixing bowl.

Add ⅔ cup 99% rubbing alcohol to the bowl.

The 99% rubbing alcohol is very important to this recipe, and I'm going to explain why.

DO YOU HAVE TO USE 99% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL?

If you're using the recipe I'm sharing today, yes, the 99% alcohol is necessary.

I had a bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol in the house in addition to the 99% alcohol bottle. I ended up making recipes with both (which is why in some of my photos in this post the 70% bottle is in the background rather than the 99% bottle).

Here's what I found. . .you CAN use 70% alcohol to make hand sanitizer but the ratio would change to 9 parts alcohol to 1 part aloe (so in terms of ounces, that would be 9 ounces of 70% rubbing alcohol to 1 ounce of aloe).

It created a MUCH runnier mixture than what I liked. It didn't really "feel" like hand sanitizer.

Just remember, according to the CDC, the mixture MUST contain at least 60% alcohol. If you can't find 99% rubbing alcohol, you will need to adjust the ratio to ensure the mixture contains at least 60% alcohol.

Here's where you can add in your fragrance or essential oil(s) as well. I didn't add any to mine but it's something I may try in next time!

Ok, that being said, when your mixture is all combined, use a funnel to transfer the mixture to your container(s).

HOW MUCH SANITIZER DOES THIS RECIPE MAKE?

The recipe makes about a cup, so it's up to you whether you want to put the mixture into several small containers or a larger container with a hand pump.

So, that's it! That's how you make your own hand sanitizer.

Oh, and the label? I just used Microsoft Word to create a little label I slapped on the front of the bottle so everyone in the family knew what it was.

Here's the thing, remember what I said about washing your hands earlier? That should be first and foremost. NO hand sanitizer is going to be as effective as that.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE VODKA AS THE "ALCOHOL" IN THE RECIPE?

Well, you could, but not just ANY vodka will do. Most vodkas are only 40% alcohol.  In order to get the proper strength, you’d have to find alcohol that is 180 proof or higher.

WHAT'S THE PROPER WAY TO APPLY SANITIZER?

Remember that sanitizer is only effective if you cover your hands thoroughly and then let them dry.

If your hands are dirty or greasy, then, according to the CDC, hand sanitizer isn’t going to do much. So make sure you don't apply lotion or anything before using the sanitizer.

And, finally, because this homemade hand sanitizer contains quite a bit of alcohol, please remember to keep it in a sealed container, and out of the reach of children. 

LOOKING FOR MORE DIY SOLUTIONS?

• DIY Magic Erasers
• Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
• Dishwasher Detergent
• Garbage Disposal Tablets
• Homemade Odor Eliminator