Corona Virus fears have stores are selling out of hand sanitizer, but did you know how cheap and easy it is to make.
All you need is an old soap container with a hand pump, and some easy to acquire things from any grocery or corner store. The active ingredient in this hand sanitizer recipe is the alcohol, which needs to comprise at least 60% of the product in order to be an effective disinfectant. Additionally you can add essential oil to give it a fragrance. You do need to be careful however when using essential oils.
In addition to adding fragrance to your hand sanitizer, the essential oil you choose may also help protect you against germs. For example, thyme and clove oil have antimicrobial properties. If you are using antimicrobial oils, only use a drop or two, since these oils tend to be very powerful and might irritate your skin. Other oils, such as lavender or chamomile, may help soothe your skin.
Homemade Hand Sanitizer Ingredients
- 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
- 8-10 drops essential oil, optional (such as lavender, vanilla, peppermint, grapefruit)
- bowl and spoon
- funnel
- recycled liquid soap or hand sanitizer bottle
This is so simple! Simply mix the ingredients together and then use the funnel to pour them into an old soap bottle with a hand pump and you're ready to go!