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Are your stores out of hand sanitizer or is it too expensive on Amazon? Have no fear! You can make your own at home and I bet you have the ingredients already. If you don’t, you are better off trying to find the ingredients than find hand sanitizer in stock. Here is a recipe for homemade all natural hand sanitizer with alcohol.
Here are the WHO recommendations regarding hand sanitizer and alcohol content.
Prevent the Spread of Germs
It’s that time of year when I want to rub hand sanitizer all over my kids. In all seriousness, germs can be no fun. During cold and flu season, we use this homemade all natural hand sanitizer like crazy. I keep hand sanitizer in my van, diaper bag and in every bathroom. I like that I can just refill it and always have some on hand without having to panic over the hand sanitizer shortage we are currently faced with.
This homemade version is also less harsh and better for you than the store-bought versions which may contain green dyes and added fragrances. The recipe below is made with all natural ingredients such as essential oils and pure aloe vera gel (not the green kind).
You can also made a cleaning spray if you need something for cleaning surfaces and hands. Thieves spray is great for on the go and any time.
Whether you use a hand sanitizer or cleaning spray, these are great for the plane, day trips to the zoo and while in the car. Both are staples in our household with three kids.
Homemade All Natural Hand Sanitizer With Alcohol
- Combine equal parts aloe vera gel (try to get the purest you can find with no added lidocaine or green/blue dyes) and isopropyl alcohol.
- Add 5-10 drops of Thieves essential oil blend since it supports the immune system and also smells nice.
- Add to a squeeze bottle, shake it up then it’s ready to use!
You can also make a big tub of this stuff and refill smaller squeeze bottles as needed. I have found making a larger batch is easiest for us so I do not have to make it as often. You can also add in additional essential oils if you want to create different scents.
Let me know what you think of this recipe and how it is working for your family!
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This cannot be all natural if it contains rubbing alcohol… And “natural” aloe vera gel needs to be refrigerated. The stuff in the isles is not all natural…
Does the Aloe gel with lidocaine affect the efficacy of the hand sanitizer if that is all I have on hand?
Hi Am,
Lidocaine is a numbing agent so it might make your hands feel a little weird but if you are ok with that I don’t see the harm in using it, especially if it is all the aloe vera you have at home right now. Stay healthy!
Tabitha
Hi Desiree,
Thanks so much for your genuine input! As my disclaimer states, I am not a doctor nor do I pretend to be one 🙂 I think we’ve all heard over and over again how hand washing is always the best if you are able to use soap and water. If you cannot access soap and water, hand sanitizer is an option. While the store-bought kind is most ideal, this homemade hand sanitizer recipe or those found elsewhere (like the WHO website) can help those get by until they can purchase these hard-to-find products.
Stay healthy,
Tabitha