DIY Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is good to keep around. While most of the time it’s easy to find in stores, it can disappear from shelves during severe flu seasons and time of panic, like during the Coronavirus outbreak. Fortunately, there are other ways to keep germs at bay, like washing your hands with soap and water. You can also make your own hand sanitizer, and there are several variations so you can use the recipe that works best for you. Here are a few DIY hand sanitizer recipes for those of you who’d like to have some around the house.

Germ-killing Tip: Choose 91% rubbing alcohol or higher

Note: These recipes are not tested or guaranteed to kill all viruses, and as with all home remedies, please consult with a health care professional if you have allergies or questions about these and other homemade treatments. For updates on the Coronavirus, the Flu, and other health issues visit CDC.gov or the World Health Organization.

The CDC recommends using sanitizing gels that contain a minimum of 60% alcohol to effectively fight Coronavirus (COVID-19) Find out what the CDC says about Hand Sanitizer. The following recipes create final products with concentrations that meet the 60% alcohol standard.

Wholefully.com

Combine all ingredients (except for the water) in a 2-ounce spray bottle. Close and shake well. Open the bottle and add the water, put the top on and shake again for approximately 20 seconds. Use 190 proof grain alcohol for maximum germ-fighting. Visit the website for more information and printable labels.

• 5 drops of Vitamin E Oil
• 3 Tablespoons of 190 proof grain alcohol like Everclear, or vodka, or Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
• Lemon Essential Oil – 5 drops
• Orange Essential Oil – 5 drops
• Tea Tree Essential Oil – 5 drops
• distilled water (or filtered, boiled and cooled)

Vitamin Shoppe

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Store in a sealed container, or add to your favorite pump bottle.

• 2/3 Cup Rubbing Alcohol
• 1/3 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
• 5 Drops of Essential Oils for Scent (Optional)
  • Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial qualities
  • Lavender has calming qualities

World Health Organization

• 1 Cup 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol
• 1 Tablespoon 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1 Teaspoon 98% Glycerol
• 85 milliliters of distilled water

PopSci Gel Sanitizer

• 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (91%)
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• ’15 drops Tea Tree Oil

Add all ingredients to a container and whisk well to combine into a gel. Add gel to sterile containers and label appropriately.

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