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How To Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer At Home & Tips To Use It

Written by Shaheen Naser
How To Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer At Home & Tips To Use It

Many people are trying to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus with sanitizers. The mass clearance of sanitizers has left those with no choice but to learn how to make sanitizer at home.

In addition to following WHO COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and avoiding social contact, a good way to prevent contracting COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently with sanitizers that contain 60% or more alcohol. The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) recommends this(1).

Despite their ability to neutralize some germs, it is important to note that sanitizers do not destroy them all. The CDC recommends that a soapy water mixture is more effective than sanitizers in killing germs (2). If you do not have access to a soapy mixture, opt for an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Making hand sanitizer at home is easy. This is especially beneficial if you cannot find a sanitizer at your local grocery store. The following guide is for larger batches of hand sanitizers. Keep reading to find out how to prepare hand sanitizer at home. Scroll down.

The World Health Organization has created a practical guide of DIY hand rub formulations with technical information about hand sanitizers (3). These recipes are meant for larger batches of sanitizers.

Ingredients That Help Kill The Germs

Make your own hand sanitizer at home using these ingredients:

  1. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol or ethanol – It helps inactivate the virus (4), (5).
  2. Aloe vera gel – It has moisturizing properties (6). It can help replace some of the moisture stripped by alcohol.
  3. Essential oil (tea tree oil, or lavender oil, or cinnamon oil or rosemary oil or eucalyptus oil) – These oils exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties (7), (8).

Note: As discussed above, your sanitizer must at least contain 60% alcohol to be effective against the virus. Since you are preparing the mix at home, aim to increase the alcohol level to at least 70% – 75%. A bottle of 99% isopropyl alcohol is highly recommended.

How To Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer At Home

This homemade sanitizer is not a 100% substitute for proper commercial sanitizer. Most of these ingredients have commonly accepted antiviral properties, but they have not been tested in a lab to work against coronavirus.

This sanitizer has 60% + alcohol content. However, this version is still not tested to have any effect against coronavirus. A tested version of DIY hand sanitizer is specified on the official website of the WHO (3).

Before trying this recipe, check with your healthcare provider. Also, do not use this sanitizer on children’s skin as they may be prone to more risks if used improperly.

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Clean the place with diluted bleach. Wash your hands thoroughly and do not touch the solution until it is fully ready. 

You Will Need

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup rubbing alcohol (99% isopropyl alcohol) (or) ⅔ cup of ethyl alcohol
  • ⅓ cup aloe vera gel
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil

Materials

  • Mixing bowl
  • Mixing utensil
  • Funnel
  • A clean bottle with a resealable lid or pump

What You Have To Do

  1. Pour all the ingredients in a bowl with a measuring spoon.
  2. Whisk the solution thoroughly to turn it into a gel.
  3. Use the funnel to pour the liquid into the empty bottle.

How To Store

  1. Store the solution in a small jar or a squeeze tube with an easy opening.
  2. You can also store it in a plastic bottle with a pump spray.

Dr. Elizabeth Eversull, an Integrative MD, shared a DIY hand sanitizer recipe on Twitter.

When And How To Use Hand Sanitizer (Tips To Remember)

How to use hand sanitizer

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According to the CDC, it is mandatory to sanitize your hands multiple times a day, especially before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, etc. Here are some simple steps to sanitize your hands thoroughly:

  1. Squirt a generous amount of sanitizer into your palm.
  2. Rub your hands thoroughly. Make sure to cover both your hands, including your fingers, the inner corners, fingertips, nails, etc.
  3. Dry your hands. After 20 seconds of rubbing your hands, your skin must have absorbed most of the sanitizer. If your hands are still wet, air dry them.

Now that you know how to use a hand sanitizer, let’s learn the difference between handwashing and hand sanitizer.

Hand Sanitizer Vs. Hand Washing – Which Is Better?

The major difference between a hand sanitizer and handwashing is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t kill all types of germs. They may not get rid of hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides, and visible dirt and grime. On the other hand, washing hands with soap and water reduces the amount of all types of germs and gets rid of dirt, debris, and grime.

Hand sanitizers are a good option if you can’t wash your hands or don’t have access to water at the moment. They are quick, easy to use, and portable. Cleaning your hands properly is the best way to avoid getting infected or spreading germs.

Pathogens are everywhere, increasing the risk of contracting communicable diseases. Ensure you practice good hygiene, wash your hands when needed, and sanitize frequently used surfaces. Unfortunately, health care supplies could be scarce during difficult times. In such cases, you can make your own sanitizer at home by following our instructions. You should sanitize your hands before eating anything and after using the toilet or sneezing or coughing. Hand sanitizers are easy to use and handy. However, according to health care experts, washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to avoid germs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol?

Both rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers contain isopropyl alcohol, so they have similar properties. However, rubbing alcohol is undiluted and contains no added moisturizing ingredients and is not safe for regular or frequent use on skin.

How do you make homemade sanitizer without alcohol?

Homemade sanitizers without alcohol require alternative antimicrobial ingredients such as witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, commercial germ killer, surgical spirits, or essential oils.

Can we eat after using hand sanitizer?

Yes, food can be consumed after using hand sanitizer but it is recommended to wait till the hands are dry.

Can perfume be used as hand sanitizer?

Yes, it may be used when there is no alternative available, but perfumes may contain other ingredients beside alcohol and hence, make it unsuitable for regular use as a hand sanitizer.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.

Key Takeaways

  • Essential oils are used as ingredients in DIY hand sanitizers for their antiviral, anti-bacterial properties.
  • According to the CDC, it is mandatory to sanitize your hands multiple times a day, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing.
  • Hand sanitizers are a good option if you do not have access to water at the moment.

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