How to make hand sanitizer: 8 steps (with pictures)

2023 Author: Jeremiah Simon | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 07:08

When you're in a rush and have nowhere to wash your hands, hand sanitizer will save your life. Sanitizers sold in stores can be overpriced and often have an unpleasant chemical smell. Making your own hand sanitizer is easy, and you can adapt the recipe to your personal needs. In addition, the stocks of antibacterial gel being exhausted in some cities due to COVID-19, this tutorial could save your life! Here is an alcohol-based recipe and a witch hazel recipe.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Make an alcohol-based sanitizer

Step 1. Gather your ingredients

This disinfectant will look a lot like what you might get in a store, without the chemicals and the unpleasant odor. This type of disinfectant will not replace hand washing, you will only use it when you have no other solution. Here's what you'll need:

2/3 cup of 95% alcohol for skin use (isopropyl alcohol), do not use any product less than 95% alcohol or substitute
1/3 cup of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without preservatives)
8-10 drops of essential oil, for example lavender, clove, cinnamon or peppermint
a container to mix
spoon
a funnel
a plastic container to store the product

Step 2. Mix the alcohol and the aloe vera gel in the container

Pour the ingredients into the container and mix them well with the spoon. The resulting mixture should be perfectly smooth.

If you want the solution to be thicker, add a spoonful of aloe vera.
Or dilute it slightly by adding another spoonful of alcohol.

Step 3. Add the essential oil

Add one drop at a time, stirring as you go. After adding about 8 drops, smell the mixture to see if you like the smell. If the scent seems strong enough to you, stop there. If you want to get a stronger smell, add a few more drops.

Lavender, clove, cinnamon, and peppermint essential oils have the benefit of having antiseptic properties as well which will make your blend even more effective

Step 4. Pour the mixture into the flask using the funnel

Place the funnel in the neck of your bottle and pour your mixture into it. Fill the bottle and screw the cap back on until next use.

If you plan to take this bottle with you, prefer a small bottle that is easy to open and reseal.
If you have prepared too much product for your bottle, keep the rest in a tightly closed jar.

Method 2 of 2: Create a witch hazel-based disinfectant

Step 1. Gather your ingredients

Some people prefer not to use alcohol in their hand sanitizer because of its odor and drying effect on the skin. Witch hazel will then be a great alternative. Tea tree oil will provide additional antiseptic benefits. Here is what you will need:

1 cup of pure aloe vera gel (preferably without preservatives)
1 1/2 teaspoon of witch hazel
30 drops of tea tree oil
5 drops of essential oil, for example lavender or peppermint
a container to mix
spoon
a funnel
a plastic bottle

Step 2. Mix together the aloe vera gel, tea tree oil and witch hazel

If the mixture seems too runny, add a spoonful of aloe vera gel to thicken it. If it's too thick, dilute it with an extra spoonful of witch hazel.

Step 3. Add the essential oil

With the scent of tea tree oil already strong, take it easy with the essential oil! Five drops should be enough and if you want to add more, add one drop at a time.

Step 4. Pour the mixture into the flask using the funnel

Place the funnel in the neck of your bottle and pour your mixture into it. Fill the bottle and screw the cap back on until next use.

If you plan to take this bottle with you, prefer a small bottle that is easy to open and reseal.
If you have prepared too much product for your bottle, keep the rest in a tightly closed jar.