Remember the frantic rush to stock up on hand sanitizer at the onset of the pandemic? Although those initial, tumultuous days are behind us, maintaining clean hands remains crucial. While germs have always been a part of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened our awareness and concern about hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water is still the most effective way to eliminate germs, but a hand sanitizer spray is a convenient alternative you can take anywhere.
The best part? If you ever find store shelves bare of your favorite brands, you can easily make your own hand sanitizer spray at home. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to create a scented liquid hand sanitizer. If you’ve been curious about a simple, budget-friendly, and kid-safe recipe, keep reading for an easy hand sanitizer spray you can whip up yourself.
A Kid-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Spray
To ensure your homemade hand sanitizer is both safe and effective for children, it must contain rubbing alcohol. The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for optimal effectiveness. Additionally, if you’re using essential oils for fragrance, it’s crucial to select ones that are safe for kids. Essential oils can be beneficial, but they can also cause adverse reactions, especially in younger children. Always dilute oils in a carrier like lotion or distilled water, and conduct a patch test by applying a small amount to the skin and waiting 24 hours.
If you’re concerned about your child ingesting or licking the hand sanitizer, it’s best to spray it directly onto their hands and store the bottle in a secure place out of reach.
DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray Recipe
Making your own scented hand sanitizer spray is simple and requires just three ingredients: rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), vegetable glycerin, and essential oils. The rubbing alcohol kills germs, glycerin (or aloe vera gel) keeps your hands moisturized, and the essential oils add a pleasant scent. You can choose to skip the essential oils if you prefer.
Here’s what you’ll need for your homemade hand sanitizer spray. Remember to keep the alcohol content at a minimum of 60% for effectiveness.
Antimicrobial Essential Oils:
- Tea Tree
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint (Avoid using directly on children under 30 months)
- Lemongrass
- Orange
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Lemon
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup of 99% isopropyl alcohol
- ⅓ cup of glycerin
- 20 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Spray bottle
- Funnel
- Label
Instructions:
- Pour glycerin and essential oils into the spray bottle.
- Add the alcohol until the bottle is nearly full.
- Cap the bottle and shake well to mix the ingredients.
- Let the mixture sit for a minimum of 72 hours to ensure it can effectively kill any bacteria introduced during mixing.
- Shake before each use and enjoy!
How Long Does Homemade Hand Sanitizer Spray Last?
Whether purchased or homemade, hand sanitizer spray has a shelf life of about three years. If the alcohol content drops below 60%, it loses its ability to effectively kill germs. So while it may not be a good idea to toss out unopened sanitizer, some alcohol content is still better than none.
Does Adding Witch Hazel to Hand Sanitizer Spray Kill Bacteria?
While witch hazel may smell similar to alcohol and can be used as a facial cleanser, it is not a disinfectant and won’t effectively kill bacteria or viruses on your hands or surfaces. However, it can be beneficial for soothing inflammation or irritation.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your DIY Hand Sanitizer
To ensure your DIY hand sanitizer remains safe and kid-friendly, steer clear of the following ingredients:
- Triclosan: A synthetic pesticide banned by the FDA in 2016 for use in antibacterial soaps.
- Fragrance: Can trigger allergies or asthma in some individuals.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: May irritate sensitive skin.
- Artificial Dyes: Often derived from petroleum and can cause allergic reactions.
- 1-Propanol: This substance can cause serious health issues if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.
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Summary
In summary, making your own hand sanitizer spray is a simple and effective way to keep your hands clean, particularly during times when commercial options may be limited. With just a few ingredients, you can create a kid-friendly formula that not only sanitizes but also offers a pleasant scent. Remember to store it securely and use it wisely!