Homemade Hand Sanitizer
DISCLAIMER: This hand sanitizer is not a substitute for proper handwashing. And while this home remedy contains commonly-accepted natural antiviral ingredients, it has never been tested in a lab to determine it's efficacy against viruses such as the coronavirus. The only version of this hand sanitizer recipe that includes the 60%+ alcohol content that the CDC and other health organizations recommend for hand sanitizer to properly kill coronavirus is the version using 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear)—and this version has still not been tested for efficacy against coronavirus. A tested recipe that contains the proper level of alcohol can be found through the World Health Organization. As always, check with your health care professional before using any home remedy on you or your family.Â
Ingredients
- 2 ounce spray bottle
- 5 drops vitamin E oil (optional, this makes for soft hands!)
- 3 tablespoons witch hazel with aloe vera, vodka, or 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear), see notes
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops orange essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- Distilled (or at least filtered, boiled, and cooled) water
- Printable label PDF
- Label sheet, printer and scissors
Instructions
- In the spray bottle, combine the vitamin E oil, witch hazel, vodka or grain alcohol, and essential oils. Place the sprayer on tightly and shake well for 15-20 seconds to combine.
- Open the bottle, and fill to the top with water. Replace sprayer, and shake again for 15-20 seconds. Done!
- Print and stick the label to the bottle. If you don’t have label sheets kicking around, you can also print the label onto regular paper, and then use clear packing tape to adhere the label to the bottle by using the tape like lamination over the entire label.
- To apply: shake the jar vigorously to reincorporate the essential oils, then spray liberally on your hands whenever you feel like they need a bit of a deep clean. Rub hands together until dry. This is not a substitute for proper hand-washing, so make sure to wash your hands well at the next opportunity.
Notes
CORONAVIRUS DISCLAIMER: This hand sanitizer is not a substitute for proper handwashing. And while this home remedy contains commonly-accepted natural antiviral ingredients, it has never been tested in a lab to determine it's efficacy against viruses such as the coronavirus. The only version of this hand sanitizer recipe that includes the 60%+ alcohol content that the CDC and other health organizations recommend for hand sanitizer to properly kill coronavirus is the version using 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear)—and this version has still not been tested for efficacy against coronavirus. A tested recipe that contains the proper level of alcohol can be found through the World Health Organization. As always, check with your health care professional before using any home remedy on you or your family.Â
Essential oil disclaimer: This recipe uses what are generally considered safe essential oils, but please keep in mind that while completely natural, all essential oils are powerful plant compounds that you and your family (including your pets) might have a reaction to. Never use essential oils undiluted or take essential oils internally (diluted or undiluted) without the guidance of a professional, and always read up about the possible side effects of each type of oil before you use it. Avoid the use of essential oils (diluted or undiluted) during the first trimester of pregnancy, on small babies, and on anyone with severe allergies to the plants the oils are derived from. And if you see any reactions in yourself, your family, or your pets, stop use of your essential oil products immediately and contact a medical professional.
Use of high-proof grain alcohol: Using high-proof grain alcohol (Everclear) in this recipe can be very drying on the hands.