In today’s world, the importance of hand sanitizer cannot be overstated. While it’s taught us many lessons throughout the pandemic, the need for effective germ-fighting products, especially hand sanitizer, has become essential. As many brands remain hard to find, you might be exploring the option of crafting your own DIY version. This is especially important if you’ve noticed excessive hand washing leading to dryness. If you’ve been searching for “how to make hand sanitizer with aloe vera,” you’re in the right place!
While the CDC emphasizes that washing hands with soap and water is the best method for cleanliness, hand sanitizer serves as a beneficial backup. The good news is that whipping up your own aloe vera hand sanitizer is incredibly easy.
Ingredients and Supplies
- Two parts 99% isopropyl or rubbing alcohol
- One part aloe vera gel or fresh aloe from a plant
- Essential oils of your choice or lemon juice
- Funnel
- Container with a lid for storage
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Prep Your Area: Ensure your workspace is clean and sanitized, perhaps by using homemade disinfectant wipes or spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera. Use a clean whisk to blend them thoroughly. If using fresh aloe, a blender may be necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add Fragrance: At this stage, the mixture will likely have a strong alcohol smell. Incorporate a few drops of your favorite essential oil—sweet orange or clove work well. Many essential oils also offer natural disinfectant properties.
- Blend Again: Whisk the mixture again to fully incorporate the essential oils.
- Store Your Sanitizer: Use a funnel and spoon to fill an airtight container with your new hand sanitizer. You might even want to craft a fun label for it.
Making Alcohol-Free Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer
If you prefer to skip the alcohol due to its scent or harshness on skin, bear in mind that effective hand sanitizers need to contain at least 60% alcohol. Aloe vera dilutes the alcohol content, so starting with 99% alcohol, you’ll end up with a roughly 65% solution. If using 70% alcohol, you must adjust your recipe accordingly, utilizing three parts alcohol to one part aloe vera.
The Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has numerous health benefits and is safe to ingest, making it a more appealing option than harsh alcohol-based sanitizers. It can help lower blood sugar levels, enhance memory, and is rich in antioxidants.
Other Ways to Use Aloe Vera
If you have extra aloe on hand, consider making a homemade scrub cleaner. Combine half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of liquid soap, fifteen drops of tea tree or rosemary oil, and one teaspoon of aloe vera gel. This scrub is excellent for cleaning tubs and sinks and can be rinsed away with a vinegar-water solution.
Additionally, aloe vera can be used as a wooden surface cleaner too. Mixing water, vinegar, olive oil, aloe vera, and essential oils creates a natural dusting solution for your furniture.
For more tips and tricks, check out this blog post. And if you’re interested in home insemination, Make A Mom is an authority on the subject, while Medline Plus provides excellent resources.
Summary
Crafting your own hand sanitizer with aloe vera is a simple and effective way to maintain cleanliness without the harsh smell of rubbing alcohol. By using just a few ingredients, you can create a gentle solution that not only sanitizes but also nourishes your skin. Plus, aloe vera has numerous other beneficial uses, making it a versatile addition to your home care routine.