Introduction:
In today’s world, maintaining good hand hygiene has become more crucial than ever. Hand sanitizers are a convenient and effective way to keep your hands clean when soap and water are not readily available. While commercial hand sanitizers are widely accessible, making your own can be a fun and cost-effective alternative. In this blog, we’ll explore two simple recipes for DIY hand sanitizers that you can easily prepare at home: The Quick Recipe and The Better Spray Recipe.
The Quick Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Isopropyl Alcohol commonly known as rubbing alcohol
- Aloe vera gel
- Tea tree or Lavender Essential Oil or an Essential oil of your choice
Instructions:
- Gather your ingredients and ensure all the utensils and containers are clean.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 parts isopropyl alcohol with 1 part aloe vera gel. For example, if you use 3 cups of isopropyl alcohol, you’ll need 1 cup of aloe vera gel.
- Stir the mixture well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil or the essential oil you love to the mixture for a pleasant scent and additional antimicrobial properties. Stir again to incorporate the oil.
- Transfer the hand sanitizer into a suitable container, preferably one with a pump or flip-top lid for easy dispensing.
- Label the container clearly with the ingredients and date of preparation.
Usage:
Apply a small amount of the hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together, ensuring you cover all surfaces until the sanitizer evaporates. Remember to follow the recommended guidelines for hand sanitization duration, typically around 20 seconds.
The Better Spray Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Isopropyl alcohol (at least 99% concentration)
- Glycerol or glycerin
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- As with the previous recipe, start by ensuring all utensils and containers are clean.
- In a mixing bowl, 12 fluid ounces of alcohol with 2 teaspoons of glycerol or glycerin. Glycerol helps prevent your skin from drying out due to the high alcohol content.
- Add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. Hydrogen peroxide helps eliminate any potential contaminants.
- Gradually pour in 3 fluid ounces of distilled water. This step ensures the hand sanitizer reaches the desired consistency and reduces the overall alcohol concentration to a safe level.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using a funnel, carefully transfer the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
- Label the bottle with the ingredients and preparation date.
Usage:
Spray a sufficient amount of the hand sanitizer onto your hands, ensuring you cover all surfaces. Rub your hands together until dry, allowing the sanitizer to effectively eliminate germs and bacteria.
Conclusion:
While making your own hand sanitizer can be a fun and convenient option, it’s essential to remember that commercially manufactured sanitizers undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness. DIY hand sanitizers should only be used when commercial alternatives are unavailable. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow the recommended guidelines for hand hygiene, which include regular handwashing with soap and water whenever possible.
Stay safe, maintain good hygiene practices, and keep your hands clean with these DIY hand sanitizer recipes!