Little Farm in the Big Woods

Homemade Hand Sanitizer in 2 minutes or less!

Saturday, March 21, 2020 12:17 PM

With all the stores selling out of hand sanitizer, it seems to me that this is another thing that people should know how to make for themselves!  And it’s sooooo easy! All you really need is alcohol.  I also add essential oils, to make it even more effective, but that is truly optional.

First let me begin by saying it does matter what kind of alcohol.  According to the CDC, you need either 60% ethanol, or 70% isopropanol, so you need to start by checking the alcohol content of your alcohol.  Regular vodka won’t do it, because it is only 40% alcohol.  You can use either 70% (or higher) isopropyl alcohol, or everclear (150 proof would be 75% alcohol).

Some people also like to add aloe vera gel to their hand sanitizer for thickening and moisturizing.  If you want to add aloe vera, you need to have a higher percentage of alcohol, and make sure you are careful not to over-dilute it so you keep the alcohol percentage in the correct range.  Make sure your aloe vera is good quality, preferably organic, and doesn’t have a bunch of additives and fillers in it. I’ve heard that Aloe Vera with xanthan gum in it causes clumping.   Also, if adding aloe vera, do not add essential oils also, as they will not be properly emulsified, and can make the alcohol percentage unpredictable.

Now to the recipes!

You need:

 a small spray bottle (dark glass is best for use with essential oils)

Alcohol of your choice (I used 70% isopropyl alcohol for this, because that’s what I had on hand.)

essential oils (optional,) 

~or~

Aloe vera gel 


Recipe #1 (with essential oils)

1. Start by filling your bottle halfway with the alcohol

2. Add 10 drops essential oil per ounce (essential oil ideas below)

3. Finish filling the bottle, but be careful to leave room for the sprayer “straw"

4. Screw lid on and shake

5. LABEL IT!!!

Now all you need to do is spray enough on your hands so that they are really wet and you can rub it all around to kill those cooties!  You can also use this to sanitize surfaces, like cart handles, car seats, door knobs, etc.


Recipe #2 (with aloe vera)

1 oz everclear (150 proof or 75% alcohol)

1/4 oz aloe vera gel

(You can increase or decrease to fit your container, but this ratio will keep the alcohol content at 60%)

1. Place together in a container and shake to combine.

2. LABEL IT!!!


Now you’re ready to use it!  I personally try to never use hand sanitizer unless I cannot wash my hands with soap.  Good old fashioned soap and water is always my first choice (and never anti-bacterial soap!)


Optional Essential oil recipes~

* 3 drops lemon, 2 drops clove, 2 cinnamon bark, 1 drop eucalyptus, 1 drop rosemary, 1 drop frankincense - this would be my first choice for this recipe, basically a thieves type blend


* 4 drops lavender, 3 drops tea tree, 3 drops frankincense

* 5 drops lavender, 5 drops lemon 

* 4 drops lemon, 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops eucalyptus

Or you can choose own oils.  There are many other great oils that you can choose from with great anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties, these are just a few ideas.



Disclaimer-  

I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA.  This information is not intended to to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.



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