With worries of the coronavirus, flu, and more illnesses being the hot topic in the US right now, you can never be too careful. And since washing your hands is at the top of the list of preventative tips, hand sanitizer is one of the best things to keep on the ready.
Here are some DIY hand sanitizers you can mix up right at home to keep you and your family germ-free, without spending a fortune on commercial (and chemical-filled) hand sanitizers:
On-the-Go Coronavirus Fighter
This sanitizing cleaner demolishes germs on contact—with no nasty, toxic chemicals required!
3 / 4 cup of rubbing alcohol (91%)
3/8 cup of pure aloe vera gel
30 drops of tea tree essential oil
Pour the ingredients into a blender and purée it on high for two minutes. Transfer the mix to spray bottles, keep ’em handy, and you’ll be germ free!
Heavenly Homemade Hand Sanitizer
3 ⁄ 4 cup of rubbing alcohol (at least 91% strength)
3 ⁄ 8 cup of pure aloe vera gel
5 drops of cinnamon oil*
5 drops of sweet orange oil*
Pour all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor, and run it on high for a minute or two. (Don’t worry: A thorough washing will remove all traces of alcohol and aloe.) Transfer the mixture to small spray or pump-top bottles, and carry them with you to use as you would any other hand sanitizer. The blend will keep at room temperature for at least six months.
* Or substitute 5 drops of one or a combination of your favorite oils. Lavender, lemon,peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree are all excellent germ-fighting choices. All the oils are available in health-food stores, herbal supply stores, and online.
Handy Hand Sanitizer
Heaven knows, there are plenty of commercial hand sanitizers out there. But when you read the labels, you wonder whether some of the ingredients could do you more harm than the bacteria you’re trying to kill. At least I do. That’s why I use this simple—and safe—DIY spray.
1 ⁄ 4 cup of vodka
1 ⁄4 cup of water
20 drops of lavender essential oil
20 drops of tea tree oil
Mix all of the ingredients together, and pour the potion into a 4-ounce spray bottle or two 2-ounce bottles. Tuck one into your pocket or purse, and spritz the liquid onto your hands as you would any other sanitizer.