Washing your hands with soap and water is best, but if that's not possible, a hand sanitizer is the ideal alternative. Commercial ones can cost a lot and with the lack of sanitizing products due to COVID-19 you may be forced to resort to DIY. Preparing a hand sanitizer by hand is a simple process that consists of using a formula that you can customize according to your tastes. Choose between an alcohol-based sanitizer or a witch hazel / tea tree oil-based sanitizer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Step 1. Get the ingredients you need
This product closely emulates those on the market, without containing as many chemicals and without giving off unpleasant odors. Hand gel should not replace regular washing; therefore use it only when strictly necessary. Here is what you will need:
- 160 ml of denatured alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- 80 ml of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 8-10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender, cinnamon, mint or clove
- Bowl
- Table spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic container
Step 2. Mix alcohol and aloe vera gel in the bowl
Pour the ingredients into the bowl and use a spoon to mix them. You will need to get a completely uniform mixture.
- If you want a thicker blend, add an extra tablespoon of aloe vera.
- Or make it more liquid by incorporating another tablespoon of alcohol.
Step 3. Add the essential oil
Incorporate one drop at a time, stirring. After about 8 drops, smell the mixture and decide if the resulting fragrance is to your liking. If it's intense enough, stop here. If, on the other hand, you want a stronger scent, add a few more drops.
Use your favorite essential oils. Lavender, cloves, cinnamon, mint, lemon, grapefruit, and passion fruit are all good choices
Step 4. Pour the mixture into the container through the funnel
Place the funnel in the container and pour your hand gel into the container. Once filled, close it with the cap until ready to use.
- If you want to take your gel with you during the day, opt for a small plastic squeeze bottle.
- Store any leftover gel in an airtight jar.
Method 2 of 2: Witch Hazel-Based Hand Sanitizer
Step 1. Get the ingredients you need
Some people prefer not to use alcohol in their hand sanitizers, as it has a strong odor and can have significant dehydrating effects on the skin. However, witch hazel products are not effective against viruses and bacteria.
If your goal is to protect yourself from the coronavirus, don't refer to this type of hand sanitizer. Here's what you need to make a witch hazel hand cleanser:
- 240 ml of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of witch hazel
- 30 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of essential oil, for example of lavender or mint
- Soup bowl
- Table spoon
- Funnel
- Plastic container
Step 2. Mix aloe vera gel, tea tree oil and witch hazel
If the mixture feels too runny, add an extra tablespoon of aloe vera to thicken it. If it's too thick, add another tablespoon of witch hazel.
Step 3. Incorporate the essential oil. Since the smell of tea tree oil itself is already quite intense, don't overdo the added essential oils
About five drops should be enough, but if you want to increase the dose, incorporate one drop at a time.
Step 4. Pour the mixture into the container through the funnel
Place the funnel in the container and pour the hand product into the container. Once filled, close it with the cap until ready to use.
- If you want to carry it around during the day, opt for a small plastic squeeze bottle.
- Store any leftover gel in an airtight jar.
