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.
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.
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
2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol (at least 60% but the higher percent the better)
1/3 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.
DIY Hand Sanitizer
Materials
- 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol at least 60% but the higher percent the better
- 1/3 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!
Catherine Wood
The article says 1 cup of aloe vera gel, but the recipe box says 1/3 cup. Just wondering which is correct.
Alison
I apologize. That was a typo. It should be 1/3 cup.
Catherine Wood
Thank you. I”m glad to get this recipe since finding hand sanitizer is going to be nearly impossible!
Alison
You’re welcome!
Susan
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.