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    Home » DIY Projects » Heath & Beauty

    DIY Hand Sanitizer

    Published: Mar 7, 2020 · Modified: Jun 14, 2023 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    It hard to believe that hand sanitizer is sold out almost everywhere even online unless you want to pay $100 for a bottle. With Coronavirus spreading quickly throughout the world, people have cleared hand sanitizers off the shelves, leaving none behind. With the panic of this outbreak and no hand sanitizer around, you can still find supplies in the stores to make your own.

    DIY Hand Sanitizer

    While it is most effective to kill germs by washing your hands with soap and water rather than using hand sanitizer, this is a quick way to help when you are in a pinch and don’t have access to soap and water.

    It’s easy to make and the ingredients are inexpensive to buy. I decided to make a large bottle of homemade hand sanitizer since we have a large family. There is plenty for all of us to use for a while and safe to use on your skin. 

    how to make DIY Hand Sanitizer

    Most rubbing alcohols are around 50% which are not really effective. You want to find one that is higher than that because the higher the concentration of rubbing alcohol, the more effective it will be. I was able to find 91% at the store but believe they go up to 99% if you can find it.

    To make sure this diy hand sanitizer is effective, you must follow the recipe precisely so you have the right amount of ratios. If it’s not followed correctly could result in not killing germs making it useless along with drying out your skin. If you don’t like the smell you can add in some essential oils. Some people like to use On Guard since it is a healthy immune support but I just used Lavendar since I had it on hand and like the smell of it.

    What You’ll Need to Make DIY Hand Sanitizer

    ⅔ cup isopropyl alcohol (at least 60% but the higher percent the better)
    ⅓ cup aloe vera gel
    Clean empty pump or bottle to store it in
    Funnel (optional)
    Essential oils (optional)

    How to Make DIY Hand Sanitizer

    In a bowl mix together isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel. Add the mixture to the bottle (may use a funnel) and secure tightly. Apply to your hands as needed and allow to dry.

    Can you make hand sanitizer with vodka?

    No it is not recommended to be used for hands and most vodkas are only 40% alcohol. You need at least 60% alcohol to kill germs in a hand sanitizer. Instead use isopropyl alcohol mixed with aloe vera gel to be the most effective.

    Print
    4.41 from 5 votes

    DIY Hand Sanitizer

    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Heath & Beauty
    Author: EverydayShortcuts.com

    Materials

    • ⅔ cup isopropyl alcohol at least 60% but the higher percent the better
    • ⅓ cup aloe vera gel
    • Clean empty pump or bottle to store it in

    Instructions

    • In a bowl mix together isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel.
    • Add the mixture to the bottle and secure tightly.
    • Apply to your hands as needed and allow to dry.

    Looking for more DIY projects, check out these ones here!

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Catherine Wood

      March 09, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      The article says 1 cup of aloe vera gel, but the recipe box says 1/3 cup. Just wondering which is correct.

      Reply
      • Alison

        March 09, 2020 at 4:42 pm

        I apologize. That was a typo. It should be 1/3 cup.

        Reply
    2. Catherine Wood

      March 09, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      Thank you. I”m glad to get this recipe since finding hand sanitizer is going to be nearly impossible!

      Reply
      • Alison

        March 11, 2020 at 1:15 pm

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
    3. Susan

      March 09, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      The CDC says hand sanitizers need to have 60% alcohol to be effective. Therefore, this recipe is ineffective unless you use an alcohol solution that is 99% alcohol. Ineffective is dangerous.

      Reply
    4.41 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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