Living through the pandemic has taught us many lessons, one of which is the importance of hand sanitizer. This germ-fighting gel has become essential, and finding your preferred brand can feel like hunting for gold. If you’ve decided to take matters into your own hands, quite literally, and create a DIY version, you’re not alone. Plus, with all the handwashing, you might be looking for a more soothing solution. That’s where the search for “how to make hand sanitizer with aloe vera” comes in. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that the CDC emphasizes that washing with soap and water remains the best method for cleaning hands. However, hand sanitizer is a great backup option. So, let’s get started on this gentle recipe.
How to Make Hand Sanitizer With Aloe Vera
Making your own aloe vera hand sanitizer is easier than you might think! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients and Supplies:
- Two parts 99% isopropyl 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
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Mixing bowl
Instructions:
- Begin by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting your workspace. We recommend using DIY disinfectant wipes or spray for this step.
- Combine the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera in your bowl. Mix well with a clean whisk. If you’re using fresh aloe, a food processor or blender will ensure a smooth consistency.
- The mixture will still carry the strong scent of alcohol, so this is where essential oils come into play! Add a few drops of your favorite oil—sweet orange or clove work well and can also provide natural disinfectant properties.
- Whisk the ingredients again to incorporate the essential oils.
- Finally, use the funnel and a spoon to transfer your mixture into an airtight container. If you’re crafty, consider labeling the container for a personal touch.
Alternative Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer Without Alcohol
If the scent of alcohol isn’t for you, you might wonder if there’s a way to skip it entirely. However, it’s important to note that, according to the CDC, effective hand sanitizers need to contain at least 60% alcohol. Mixing aloe vera reduces the alcohol concentration, so starting with 99% alcohol and using a two-to-one ratio results in a sanitizer that’s roughly 65% alcohol.
You can also use 70% alcohol, but remember, the recipe must be adjusted. For example, mix three cups of 70% alcohol with only ⅓ cup of aloe vera.
Is Aloe Vera Gel Safe to Eat?
One of the benefits of crafting your own aloe vera hand sanitizer is that it’s less toxic than alcohol-based products. Aloe vera gel is edible and offers a range of health benefits, including lowering blood sugar, reducing dental plaque, enhancing memory, and providing antioxidants. It can even be a part of your skincare routine!
Bonus: Homemade Aloe Cleaners
If you have leftover aloe vera, you can create other useful household products. Consider whipping up a soft scrub cleaner with these ingredients:
- ½ cup of baking soda
- ½ cup of liquid soap
- 15 drops of rosemary or tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Mix these in a jar for a great tub and sink cleaner.
For wooden surfaces, try mixing water, vinegar, olive oil, aloe vera, and essential oils to polish your furniture or floors.
For more insights on home insemination, check out our post on international law. You can also learn more about essential resources for home insemination at Make A Mom, or read about the IVF process at Parents.
Search Queries:
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In summary, creating your own hand sanitizer with aloe vera is simple and allows you to avoid the harsh scent of rubbing alcohol while still providing effective germ protection. Not only do you gain a gentle cleaning solution, but you can also explore other uses for aloe vera around the house, making it a versatile addition to your DIY repertoire.