How to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

How to Stay Healthy During Winter

You can use different methods to keep yourself healthy. Here are a few tips to follow:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for 30-seconds after you touch a germy area
• Drink enough water daily and eat fruits and vegetables
• Sleep for 8-hours every night
• Be physically active when possible
• Avoid interactions with people who have cold or flu symptoms

It’s also smart to use protective gear when possible. This equipment will differ from professional options because it’s not meant for high-risk situations and interactions. You may see doctors and other professionals wearing large gloves, full body suits, and eye protection in their line of work with the ill. That said, you can still employ gloves and masks to protect yourself.

Ingredients and Steps to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

A container of hand sanitizer will be handy throughout winter. It’s helpful to have when you can’t wash your hands or use commercial products. In other words, you can make a DIY version as a backup plan when you need a quick solution.

Here’s your ingredient list:

• Isopropyl rubbing alcohol (99-percent)
• Plain aloe vera gel
• Essential oil or lemon juice (optional)
• An empty container with a lid
• A mixing bowl and a large spoon

Set aside a clean area to make your hand sanitizer. You should wash your hands and utensils periodically to ensure your final product won’t be contaminated. It’s also a good idea to buy new products so they’re sealed before you start.

Add ⅔ Cup Rubbing Alcohol to Bowl

Be sure to look for isopropyl products with 91- to 99-percent alcohol volumes. The aloe vera will dilute that amount — and you need a 60-percent alcohol volume minimum to eliminate most germs. Don’t make your hand sanitizer unless you have these exact components.

Add ⅓ Cup Aloe Vera Gel to Bowl

The aloe vera gel ensures your hand sanitizer has the proper texture. It’ll also provide moisture so your hands don’t become too dry. This product is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, as well. Feel free to add less aloe vera gel if you want a higher alcohol content.

Use Spoon to Stir Until Combined Thoroughly

If you prefer, you can use a whisk. You can always make a smaller or larger batch of hand sanitizer. Just always keep your proportion of alcohol to aloe vera at 2:1, reports Healthline. So you could use 1-cup alcohol to a 1/2-cup of aloe vera. The 2:1 proportion ensures that your alcohol content is at least 60-percent.

Mix 10 Drops of Essential Oil or Lemon Juice

This step is optional. If you want your hand sanitizer to have a scent, you can use essential oil or lemon juice. Essential oils you could try include lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus. These products won’t interfere with anything.

Pour Into Labeled Container

Use a container with a pump or squeeze nozzle so you don’t have to dip your hands into anything. A clear, labeled container allows you to safely differentiate between your hand sanitizer and other products.

You can also distribute it into mini travel containers to put in your bag or purse.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer Properly

You should always try to wash your hands before anything else. Use hand sanitizer only if you don’t have access to soap and water — it’s best as a last resort. Be sure your hands aren’t dirty before you apply your chosen product.

First, you’ll pump the hand sanitizer into one palm. Use your other palm to spread the product across your hands, and don’t neglect between your fingers. Rub for about 45-seconds until your hands start to dry. This process may take around a minute.

Avoid touching your eyes or mouth as you apply hand sanitizer. If you have children, you need to supervise them when they use the product. This way, they won’t misapply anything.

When Should You Apply Hand Sanitizer?

If you’re out in public, you won’t have immediate access to a sink to wash your hands. It’s essential to have your hand sanitizer ready to apply after you:

• Go to the restroom
• Touch a high-traffic surface, like an elevator button
• Sneeze or cough
• Sit down to eat at a restaurant
• Make physical contact with a stranger, like shaking hands

These reminders will help you stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season.

Use These Tips to Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer

If you want to help you and your family stay well, make DIY products like hand sanitizer to keep handy during winter. Be sure to practice safe techniques so everyone has a healthy next few months. Your homemade hand sanitizer will only make a difference if you use it correctly.