DIY Hand Sanitizer March 03 2020, 0 Comments

With the Corvid-19 now detected in the US and specifically Washington State (where we are located), we’ve been told to prepare for a potential quarantine; have a two week supply of essentials. Really, it’s what we’ve been directed to do for many years…disaster preparedness.

Apparently, people are finally taking heed.

If you’re looking for hand sanitizer, you’re going to be hard pressed to find any on store shelves (not to mention toilet paper and bottled water).

While hand washing for at least 20 seconds is the preferred defense against the virus, sometimes you just don’t have access to soap and water and a hand sanitizer is necessary.

The good news is, you can easily make your own hand sanitizer. There are a number of recipes to be found online. Some exclude the alcohol and rely solely on the essential oils. The CDC recommends a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, this one is around ~65%. I wanted to share one that was simple and with the fewest ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup Isopropyl Alcohol 91% (rubbing alcohol)
  • ¼ cup aloe vera gel
  • 5-10 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, oregano, or Four Thieves oil blend)
  • 2-3 drops of colloidal silver (optional)

Directions:

  • Simply mix together the Isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel together until well blended.
  • Add 5 to 10 drops essential oil (your choice). Stir to incorporate.
  • Use a funnel to pour into a squeeze bottle or pump bottle. Shake before each use.

A few Notes on Essential Oils

Essential oils (and colloidal silver) can add additional anti-microbial benefits. I like Lavender and Tea Tree because they are readily available at most health food stores, they blend nicely together and they are relatively affordable oils. Another great choice would be the Four Thieves essential oil blend. According to legend, the blend was concocted by grave robbers during the bubonic plague outbreak. No idea if the story is true, but the essential oil blend is a good one.

And again, a good hand washing with soap and water is going to be your best defense. Use the hand sanitizer as a backup. Long term use of an alcohol hand sanitizer can be drying on the hands.

Be Well,

Christina