I’ve been getting some messages about how to make hand sanitizers. Although I do believe they can be helpful in certain circumstances, I’m a bit hesitant to share this information because hand sanitizers shouldn’t replace proper handwashing. Also, hand sanitizers can be made incorrectly giving you a false sense of security.
Right now people are going crazy making hand sanitizers using Vodka which doesn’t have a high enough alcohol content on its own to eliminate viruses like COVID-19. Please don’t use Vodka.
Let’s read what a Professor from the Benedectine University in Chicago has to say about DIY hand sanitizer:
“Making your own hand sanitizer is fine as long as you can be sure that the isopropyl alcohol or ethanol concentration is at least 60 percent, per CDC guidelines,” Tanya Crum
The CDC also says the following:
“Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95 percent alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.”
Now that we have that out of the way let’s move on to the part where I’m going to share a quick and easy recipe with you.
To make a fragrance free hand sanitizer per CDC guidelines you’d have to use approximately 90ml of Ethanol or Isopropyl alcohol and 10ml of vegetable glycerin. You will also need a measuring beaker and a 4-ounce spray bottle, squirt bottle or capped bottle. For anyone curious, here’s the conversion in ounces. 90ml of Ethanol or Isopropyl alcohol is 3.04 in ounces and 10ml of vegetable glycerin is .34 ounces.
*I am intentionally avoiding the use of aloe vera gel in this recipe because most of the products sold on the market contain synthetic fragrances, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and or citric acid which is derived from fungus (mold).
Recipe and Ingredients
– 90ml of Ethanol or Isopropyl alcohol (Ethanol is food grade)
– 10ml of vegetable glycerin (food-based is best, look for coconut glycerin)
– Measuring beaker
– 4-ounce spray bottle, squirt bottle or capped bottle.
To make your fragrance free hand sanitizer measure out your ingredients first and set them aside.
Pour 90ml of alcohol into your beaker. Add in the 10ml of vegetable glycerin and mix it with a spoon. Because glycerin is heavier it will sink to the bottom so a few good stirs are necessary.
Lastly, pour the mixture into your 4-ounce bottle.
So there you have it. Please note that I didn’t add any essential oils because they can dilute the mixture. Essential Oils can also cause adverse reactions and breathing difficulties for people who are sensitive to the compounds within essential oils.
Before you go I want to reiterate that proper handwashing is super important. Below are the CDC recommendations for how everyone should be washing their hands.
“Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.”
The content in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Any views or opinions written in this post should not be taken as fact or professional advice.
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