MAKING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER  1-2-3

Notes:  Washing your hands with Soap and Water is still the most effective way to clean your hands.  Yet in situations where this is not possible, hand sanitizer is beneficial in eliminating germs if the alcohol level is above 60%

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INGREDIENTS 

• 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol alcohol

• Aloe vera gel or glycerin

• Essential oils (optional)

• Bowl and spoon

• Storage bottle or container

• Funnel (optional)

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ONE: 

Combine ⅔ cup of 91% or higher alcohol with ⅓ cup of aloe vera gel or glycerin in a bowl and stir until blended.

Getting your ratios right in this step is critical. By combining two parts of 91% or higher alcohol with one part softening agent, you’ll land at about 60% alcohol content in the final product. Hand sanitizer that’s less than 60% alcohol will not be effective.

You can also increase the alcohol content to about 68% by combining ¾ cup of 91% or higher alcohol with ¼ cup of aloe or glycerin. Aloe or glycerin helps prevent the alcohol from drying out your skin.

 

TWO:

If you are adding essential oils, do so now.  but only 5-6 drops so as not to dilute your alcohol content.

 

THREE:

Bottle your hand sanitizer mixture.

Once your hand sanitizer is mixed and complete, pour the mixture into a container or bottle for use. You can purchase an empty bottle with a squirt top or pump from your local drug store or recycle a washed-out hand sanitizer bottle. If you have a funnel on hand, it can make it easier to pour the hand sanitizer into your storage containers. Once it’s bottled, your hand sanitizer is ready to use!