Have you always looked for a hand sanitizer with a particular scent without being able to find it? Don't you like the ingredients of the sanitizers on the market? Thankfully, it's easy to make a homemade hand sanitizer using denatured alcohol or witch hazel water. Keep in mind that disinfectants prepared with witch hazel water are not as effective as alcohol-based ones and require specific essential oils with antimicrobial properties.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Denatured Alcohol
Step 1. Take a clean bowl and pour about 160ml of denatured alcohol into it
Try to use 99% alcohol instead of the classic 70% alcohol, as it kills more germs.
Step 2. Add 80g of aloe vera gel
The sanitizer will thus acquire a consistency similar to that of a gel. By moisturizing your hands, this ingredient will also mitigate the aggressive and drying action of alcohol.
Step 3. Add 8 to 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice
You can choose any scent you want, but the following have antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme or a blend of 5 essential oils (cinnamon, rosemary, clove, eucalyptus and lemon).
Step 4. Mix the ingredients using a spatula until the mixture is smooth
It shouldn't have any lumps.
Step 5. Transfer the mixture to a clean bottle with the help of a funnel
Try to use a bottle with a pump or squeeze dispenser. Remove the cap, insert the funnel and pour the mixture into the bottle. Use the spatula to scoop up any remaining compost residue in the bowl.
Step 6. Close the bottle and shake it to complete the procedure
You will have a perfumed hand sanitizer ready to be used. Ingredients may settle to the bottom of the bowl over time. If that happens, just shake the bottle again.
Step 7. Finished
Method 2 of 2: Use Witch Hazel Water
Step 1. Choose your favorite essential oil and pour 5-10 drops into a clean bowl
You can use any type of oil you want, but the following have antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, or a blend of 5 essential oils (cinnamon, rosemary, clove, eucalyptus and lemon).
Step 2. Add 30 drops of tea tree oil and 1.25ml (about a quarter of a teaspoon) of vitamin E oil
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. Vitamin E oil, on the other hand, is a preservative. Plus, it leaves your hands smooth and soft.
Step 3. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of witch hazel water
This will help you eliminate all germs, while avoiding attacking the skin as happens with denatured alcohol. Keep in mind that witch hazel water is not as effective as alcohol. If you want the disinfectant to be stronger, use a high-proof vodka instead.
Step 4. Add 225g of aloe vera gel
The sanitizer will thus take on a consistency similar to that of a gel. The aloe vera will also make it more moisturizing, making your hands dry out less.
Step 5. Stir the mixture with a spatula until it is homogeneous
There shouldn't be any lumps left.
Step 6. Pour the mixture into a clean bottle with a pump dispenser or squeeze cap
First remove the cap, then insert a funnel into the neck of the bottle. Pour the mixture into it with the help of a spatula.
Step 7. Close the bottle and shake it before using it
Try to use the sanitizer within a few months. Being natural and pure, it does not contain any synthetic preservatives.
Step 8. Finished
Advice
- If you need to make less product, use 1 or 2 parts of denatured alcohol and 1 part of aloe vera gel. As for the fragrance, start with 3 to 5 drops, then add more if needed.
- If you already have a hand sanitizer, you can easily perfume it by adding a few drops of essential oil or another fragrance. Close the bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients before using it.
- Try to use pure aloe vera gel, with no additives or dyes.
- To dye the sanitizer, add a drop of food coloring. Do not use more, as it can stain the skin.
- Essential oils can be found in health food stores and herbalists.
- You can also use a specific fragrance for making soaps. This product is available in DIY stores, in the section dedicated to candles and soaps.
- To make the sanitizer even more emollient, replace 30 g (2 tablespoons) of aloe vera gel with 30 g (2 tablespoons) of glycerin.
- The following oils have naturally antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme or a blend of 5 essential oils (cinnamon, rosemary, clove, eucalyptus and lemon).
- Tea tree oil has naturally antimicrobial properties and is an excellent antiseptic. It is perfect to add to homemade hand sanitizers.
- To store homemade sanitizer, you can use empty hand sanitizer bottles or soap dispensers. Empty travel shampoo bottles are also suitable.
Warnings
- Most citrus-based oils make the skin photosensitive. If you decide to use one, avoid applying hand sanitizer before going out.
- Essential oils disintegrate plastic bottles over time. Try storing most of the sanitizer in a glass jar. In smaller plastic bottles, only keep as much disinfectant as you can use within a week.
