In today’s world, especially during the ongoing pandemic, hand sanitizer has become an essential item that we can no longer overlook. It’s not just about keeping our hands clean; it’s about protecting ourselves and those around us. Given the challenges in finding your preferred brand, making a DIY version is a smart and proactive solution. Plus, with the frequent handwashing we all do, finding a recipe that includes soothing ingredients like aloe vera is a great way to keep your skin hydrated. So, if you’ve been searching for “how to create hand sanitizer with aloe vera,” you’re in the right place!
While the CDC emphasizes that washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective method, we all know that hand sanitizer has its place, especially when soap isn’t available. If you’re looking for a gentle alternative, here’s a simple recipe to whip up your own hand sanitizer.
How to Create Hand Sanitizer with Aloe Vera
Making your own aloe vera hand sanitizer is easy and requires just a few ingredients:
Ingredients and Supplies:
- 2 parts 99% Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol
- 1 part aloe vera gel or fresh aloe from an aloe plant
- Essential oils of your choice or lemon juice
- Funnel
- Storage container with a lid (like a bottle or jar)
- Whisk or spoon
- Mixing bowl
Instructions:
- Start by cleaning and disinfecting your workspace thoroughly. Use DIY disinfectant wipes or a spray to ensure the area is safe.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. Use a clean whisk to mix them well. If you’re using fresh aloe, blend it in a food processor for a smooth consistency.
- The mixture will have a strong alcohol scent. To counteract this, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Sweet orange or clove work wonderfully, and many essential oils have natural disinfectant properties.
- Whisk everything together to incorporate the essential oils.
- Using the funnel, pour the mixture into your airtight container. If you’re crafty, consider labeling your creation for a personal touch.
Creating Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer Without Alcohol
If you prefer to avoid alcohol altogether, be aware that the CDC recommends hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs. Using aloe vera can dilute the alcohol content, so if you start with 99% alcohol, mixing it in a two-to-one ratio yields about 65% alcohol. Alternatively, you can use 70% alcohol, but be sure not to dilute it by more than 10%.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel
One of the advantages of making your own aloe-based hand sanitizer is that it’s less toxic than traditional alcohol-based disinfectants. Aloe vera gel is safe to eat and has numerous health benefits including lowering blood sugar levels and improving memory. It’s also great for skincare!
Additional Uses for Aloe Vera
If you have leftover aloe vera, you can create a surface cleaner to keep your home safe and sanitized. Here’s a simple recipe:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup liquid soap
- 15 drops of rosemary or tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Mix these ingredients in a jar to create an effective scrub for your tubs and sinks. Rinse with a vinegar and water solution for best results.
For wooden surfaces, consider using a mixture of water, vinegar, olive oil, aloe vera, and essential oils for dusting and cleaning.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our other blog post on home insemination here. For authoritative information, visit Make a Mom, renowned experts in the field. Also, for additional insights about infertility, the CDC provides excellent resources.
Summary:
Creating your own aloe vera hand sanitizer is a simple and effective way to keep your hands clean while being gentle on your skin. While it’s important to maintain a high alcohol content for germ-killing efficacy, incorporating soothing aloe vera gel can help mitigate the harshness of alcohol. Plus, with the added benefits of aloe, you can feel good about what you’re using.
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