As the coronavirus pandemic spreads worldwide, staying clean and sanitized's never been more important. Hand sanitizer has become essential to our lives as we attempt to protect ourselves from infectious bacteria and viruses.

But store-bought products can be expensive or hard to find—so why not make your own at home? In this article, you'll learn how easy it is to create a highly effective homemade hand sanitizer with just a few simple ingredients.

You'll also get advice on proper use and safety tips for handling hazardous chemicals. With this knowledge, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing you are prepared and equipped with the skills to protect yourself and those around you.

Gather the ingredients needed to make hand sanitizer.

The first step in making your hand sanitizer is to gather the ingredients needed. These will include rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel, and essential oils. Rubbing alcohol should contain at least 70 percent isopropyl or ethanol alcohol to effectively kill germs. Aloe vera gel helps keep the mixture from drying out the skin and also acts as a thickening agent. Lastly, if you add essential oils, use up to 10 drops for each cup of hand sanitizer mix. Popular essential oils include lavender, lemon, tea tree, and peppermint oil.

Measure out two parts rubbing alcohol to one part aloe vera gel.

Rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel both have properties that, when combined, make an effective hand sanitizer. The rubbing alcohol needs at least 70% alcohol to be an effective sanitizer. Many store-bought hand sanitizers contain a concentration of between 60–95% alcohol.

For your homemade hand sanitizer to be effective, you must make sure that you use the correct ratio of rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. Generally, this means using two parts rubbing alcohol to one part aloe vera gel. This concentration should be enough to kill most germs and bacteria on your hands.

Adjust the ratio slightly to favor the rubbing alcohol for a stronger sanitizer. However, it would help if you were careful not to make it too strong as it could irritate your skin. For example, using a ratio of 3:1 rubbing alcohol to aloe vera gel is likely too strong and irritates your skin. It's best practice to stick with a 2:1 ratio.

Once you have your rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel measured out, combine them in a bowl or container and mix until thoroughly blended. Your DIY hand sanitizer is now ready to use!

Store the remaining mixture in an airtight container for future use. Keep it away from children's reach, as it can be dangerous if ingested. Also, remember to shake the container before each use, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Adding a drops of essential oil for a pleasant aroma.

Once you have added the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel, it's time to add some essential oil. Essential oils don't just make your sanitizer smell better, but they also have other health benefits.

Choose an essential oil with antiseptic or antimicrobial properties, such as tea tree, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or other citrus oils. Add 5-6 drops of essential oil for every two tablespoons of sanitizer. Please stir it well and pour the mixture into a container with a lid. You now have your DIY hand sanitizer.

Keep a few key things in mind to ensure your homemade hand sanitizer is as effective as possible. Never use water instead of rubbing alcohol, as it will not be effective at killing germs. Additionally, ensure that you use a bottle or container with a well-fitting lid that seals properly and avoids contamination when measuring the ingredients. Finally, for best results, store your hand sanitizer in an airtight container and use it within 3 months. With these tips in mind, you can make a safe and effective sanitizer that works just as well as store-bought products. Now, you can protect yourself and your loved ones against harmful germs!

Mix the ingredients until it is a smooth consistency.

Once all ingredients are added to a bowl, mix them with a spoon or whisk until completely blended. The texture should be smooth and free of lumps. If necessary, add extra rubbing alcohol or aloe vera gel until it reaches the desired consistency. Be sure to stir frequently while mixing to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Once the mixture is complete, your hand sanitizer is ready to use!

When using your homemade hand sanitizer, ensure it fully covers the hands and rubs it in until it's completely absorbed. It's also instant to remember that this solution will only last as store-bought varieties, so be sure to replace it every few days. Additionally, it may not kill as many germs as commercial sanitizers, so you should still wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Making hand sanitizer at home is a great way to save money while ensuring you have the proper supplies. You can easily whip up a batch with simple ingredients for yourself and your family. Remember that this recipe is not a substitute for hand washing or medical-grade disinfectants but can provide some added protection when needed. With this easy guide, you can make homemade hand sanitizer quickly!

Pour the mixture into an empty container or pump bottle

Once the sanitizer is mixed, pour it into an empty container or pump bottle. You can use any clean, empty container, such as a travel-size soap dispenser, pump bottle, squeeze bottle, or spray bottle. Label the container with the ingredients and date prepared so you know when to make a new batch.

Label the bottle and store it away from direct sunlight for up to 3 months

Label the bottle with the ingredients and date prepared so you know when to make a new batch. Store the hand sanitizer in an area away from direct sunlight and at room temperature. It should be good for up to 3 months, but it is best practice to replace it every few weeks to be safe.

With these simple steps, you can now make your DIY hand sanitizer! It is an economical and efficient way to stay safe, but you can customize the scent with your favorite essential oil. With a few simple ingredients and some basic instructions, anyone can make their hand sanitizer in the comfort of their home.

FAQs

How do you make 3-ingredient hand sanitizer?

You can make 3-ingredient hand sanitizer by combining rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel, and essential oils. Measure out two parts rubbing alcohol to one part aloe vera gel. Add in a few drops of the essential oil for a pleasant aroma. Mix the ingredients until smooth, then pour the mixture into an empty container.

How do you make hand sanitizer ingredients?

To make hand sanitizer, you will need rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel, and essential oils. Rubbing alcohol should be at least 60% alcohol content to be effective. Aloe vera gel helps keep your hands from drying out due to the alcohol content of the sanitizer. Essential oils can be added for a pleasant smell but are not necessary for the sanitizer to be effective.

What are the benefits of making your hand sanitizer?

Making your hand sanitizer is a great way to save money and control what ingredients go into it. You can customize the scent and strength by adjusting the amounts of its ingredients.

Conclusion

Making your hand sanitizer is quick, cost-effective, and convenient. After gathering the ingredients, measuring them out according to the 2:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol to aloe vera gel, adding essential oils of your choice for scent, mixing until it's a smooth consistency, and pouring into an empty container or pump bottle - you have successfully created your very own hand sanitizer. Label the bottle and store it away from direct sunlight for up to 3 months to keep this homemade sanitizer plentiful and ready when needed.