DIY Hand Sanitizer: Simple Natural Recipe
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Natural DIY hand sanitizer is a recipe made from simple ingredients that have been shown to kill germs. This recipe is gentle enough for kids. Follow my tips below to make this homemade hand sanitizer including a spray version.
Oh, clean hands. I don’t know what those are anymore. Between changing dirty diapers, dealing with our chickens (how they even get poop in some places boggles my mind), boogers, craft projects, cleaning the house, and cooking (anyone else despise touching raw meat?), my hands never feel clean.
While we don’t need to be absolute germ-a-phobes because some germs are good, but sometimes you just need a good and natural hand sanitizer or you should can try my DIY Disinfecting Wipes.
Like when you’re traveling back home for the weekend and have to stop at a crusty gas station to change a poopy diaper, and of course they have run out of soap in the bathroom. Yea, that would be a good time.
My hubby is self employed, drives around the area, and sees lots of people every day.
His car is his office and he literally does everything in there – including eating. So, the man needs this homemade sanitizer.
Seeing lots of people, touching lots of doors, and eating (constantly, I might add.
Seriously, all he does is snack all day long so good hand hygiene is a must, and he can’t always make it to the bathroom to wash his hands.
*It is important to note that the CDC recommends to use sanitizer with at least 60% rubbing alcohol or 190 proof grain alcohol to kill the certain germs. Witch hazel is not strong enough to do so.
The problem with conventional hand sanitizer:
You don’t need to sanitize all of the time, which scientists believe is helping create super bugs. Especially, if you are using regular hand sanitizers that are full of harmful chemicals (see here) that have been linked to endocrine disorders, cancer, and more.
- Fragrances: you now how I feel about these… fragrances are a broad term that can mean 1000’s of potentially harmful ingredients and something you should try your best to stay away from. Fragrances have also been linked to endocrine disruption.
- Triclosan: is an ingredient used in anti-bacterial products like hand sanitizer and soap. It has been linked to hormone disruption and scientists believe that it maybe contributing to the super bug problem (aka antibiotic resistant bacteria.)
- Did you know the chemicals in regular hand sanitizer show up in breast milk (source)? Not something I want to be using while I’m breastfeeding, which seems to never end.
What type of alcohol or other antibacterial should you use:
Witch Hazel: is great for the skin, but is also the least affective when it comes to disinfecting. It is an astringent and will help fight germs, but it is not strong enough to kill certain bacteria.
Rubbing Alcohol: hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is effective in killing bacteria. It can be drying to the skin, which is why I like to add Aloe Vera Gel. Use at least 70%
190 Proof Alcohol (Everclear): Can also be very drying to the hands, but it also the strongest disinfectant at about 95% alcohol. Add a few drops of glycerin or vitamin e to help it be more soothing.
Tips for making homemade hand sanitizer:
- To make this recipe germ busting kid safe essential oils like melaluca
- Also, use alcohol-free witch hazel in place of rubbing alcohol for a kid-safe version.
- Since you are using essential oils make sure the plastic bottle is compatible since essential oils can degrade some plastics.
- You could make a spray version of this by using equal parts aloe vera spray with alcohol or witch hazel.
- The strongest, most potent version is the hand sanitizing spray listed below.
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Ingredients you will need:
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel (I use this one) or this one
- 2 Tbs rubbing alcohol or witch hazel
- 5-10 drops of antibacterial essential oil (such as tea tree, cinnamon , thyme, oregano, or peppermint)
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, or *Note: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have young children, always check before using essential oils. Some are not appropriate for those groups. For instance, peppermint should not be used on or around young children (can cause breathing to slow) or breastfeeding women (can dry up milk). You can check these lists from Mommypotomus for safe essential oils during breastfeeding and pregnancy, and this list for infants and children.
How To Make Natural DIY Hand Sanitizer
- Mix together Aloe Vera Gel and rubbing alcohol.
- Add in essential oils and mix.
- Place in a small, squeezable container (like these). I just used one I had on hand because I’m
cheapresourceful.
To use:
- Apply a dime-size amount to hands and rub together.
- Allow to dry.
- Keeps for 1-2 months.
- Of course, keep out of reach of children.
How To Make Hand Sanitizing Spray:
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbs 60% rubbing alcohol, witch hazel or 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear).
- 1 tbs distilled water or filtered water that has been boiled and cooled.
- 10 drops essential oils: tea tree, clove, cinnamon , thyme, oregano, orange or peppermint
Directions:
- Add ingredients to a 2 oz spray bottle.
- Shake gently.
- You are ready to go to use.
Super simple and you can whip it up in a minute. Do you use hand sanitizer a lot?
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA or tested in a lab. Please consult a doctor and conduct your own research before trying. These recipes are not to replace proper hand washing, but when hand washing is not an option use this.
Find more natural DIY products:
- DIY Foot Scrub Recipe: Exfoliating & Smoothing
- Homemade Bubble Bath
- Brown Sugar Scrub For Face Or Body
- Homemade Natural Hair Detangler Spray
- Natural DIY Foaming Hand Soap
Natural DIY Hand Sanitizer
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Ingredients
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tbs rubbing alcohol 190 proof alcohol or witch hazel. *see note
- 5-10 drop essential oils tea tree, cinnamon., thyme, oregano, or peppermint
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add ingredients and mix together.
- Pour into a squeezable container
Notes
This post was updated March 26, 2020
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My oldest daughter has eczema and can’t use a lot of the sanitizer that’s on the market. Thanks for sharing.