There is no doubt that washing your hands with soap is the best way to deal with germs, but sometimes this is a little hard. When you are out and about, using hand sanitiser is better than nothing. Here is an easy DIY Hand Sanitiser that can help keep you clean when washing your hands with soap is difficult.
Hand Washing
Obviously, nothing beats the good old hand washing with soap.
The best routine for washing your hands:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lathering the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Sing the “happy birthday” song twice as you do this as it takes around 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean paper towel.
You can also reduce the spread of germs by coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow. This printable pack is a great way to teach children how to wash their hands.
Hand Sanitiser
Shop bought hand sanitisers contain a lot of additives and ingredients that aren’t the best, that is why I choose to make my own. For this to work though, there are a few ingredients that you need to use.
Alcohol is a crucial ingredient as it helps to kill the germs. Being a natural disinfectant as well as being used in caring for wounds, it helps break down and dissolve bacteria. Though, for it to be effective, it needs to be at a minimum level of 60%, so when making this recipe, use a higher % of alcohol (90% or higher) which then reduces as you add other ingredients, bringing it down to the optimal 70% alcohol level.
The downside of alcohol is that it can be drying to the skin, which is one of the reasons aloe vera gel is added. Aloe vera gel is a great natural moisturiser as it contains vitamins and minerals. It is widely used for burns and can help improve dry or cracked skin. This gel is extracted for the interior of the leaves on the aloe vera plant.
Essential oils are great in helping due to their properties, which can vary depending on the essential oils you are using.
To make this hand sanitiser, you will need:
- ⅔ cup 99% isopropyl alcohol or 190 proof Everclear
- ⅓ cup pure aloe vera gel
- 20 drops Essential Oil – I use Germ Fighter but, for those with young children, use Germ Destroyer or Defender.
Mix the isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel well with a hand blender.
Add the essential oils and mix through well.
Pour into a squeeze bottle or spray bottle. You may need to use a funnel. This mixture will be slightly runnier than commercial hand sanitisers. Use as needed. Remembering to spot test first.
The best way to use your hand sanitiser is to:
- Apply a small amount of hand sanitiser to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together to distribute the sanitiser.
- Rub sanitiser over every part of your hands, including backs of hands and between fingers.
- Continue until hands are dry, or approximately 20 seconds. Sing the “happy birthday” song twice as you do this as it takes around 20 seconds.
Other antibacterial Essential Oils you could use a mixture of are – though check if they are kid safe if using for children under 10:
- Melaleuca (Tea-Tree)
- Cinnamon Bark
- Thyme
- Clove
- Peppermint
- Lemon
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- Bergamot
- You could use this Aloe Vera Jelly instead of pure aloe vera gel
Notes:
- This is not a commercial grade hand sanitiser and should not be used in healthcare settings. Always do your own research, making your own decisions before using.
- Always check with a doctor or healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially on children or if you have a medical condition.
- Don’t use fresh aloe vera gel as it isn’t stable enough.
- Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, so keep away from fire or flame.
- This hand sanitiser and essential oils are for external use only and please avoid the eyes.
- Remember to spot test before use and don’t use if you are allergic to aloe vera or have eczema.
Here are some Hand Sanitiser Labels for you to download and print and add to your containers.
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