Homemade Hand Sanitizer With Fresh Aloe Vera

Image by Rosina-Sch from Pixabay

When you can't get to a sink to wash your hands (20 seconds please), hand sanitizers are a must.

However, with so many people stockpiling crucial products like hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, etc., it's difficult to find a hand sanitizer or a sanitizing spray in the stores.

It's even hard to find aloe vera gel and isopropyl alcohol.So start looking for 60% isopropyl alcohol every time you go out.

If you find sanitizers, make sure they are at least 60% alcohol. Some sanitizers are alcohol-free and won't be as effective in killing  bacteria and viruses.

Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

(1) 60% isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable. Be careful. Don't use around heat or flame. It's also very harsh on the skin so if you get it on your skin, flush with water. Best is to wear disposable nitrile gloves, but those are as hard to come by as hand sanitizers and TP.

(2) If you have an empty hand sanitizer pump bottle, use it for your homemade sanitizer. A hand lotion bottle will also work, but you must clean it thoroughly.

(3) If you can't find any aloe vera gel in the stores, you can use fresh aloe from your houseplant if you have one. I've always kept a plant in the kitchen just to treat burns from cooking.

Ingredients:

* 3/4 cup of 60% isopropyl alcohol
* 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (counteracts harshness of alcohol) or fresh aloe vera. See below.
* 10 drops of essential oils, tea tree oil, oil of cloves, lavender oil, lemon juice, or anything similar if you want the end result to smell "nice"

Directions:

Pour the isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel into a bowl. With a whisk, stir carefully until the mixture is well-blended. It should look "soupy."

Add the aroma ingredients last. Blend well.

Using a funnel, pour into a bottle or jar of your choice. Be sure and label it, and keep it out of the reach of children. It's ready to use immediately.

Image by Free-Photo from Pixabay

What If You Don't Have Aloe Vera Gel?

Guess what? If you have an aloe vera plant, you can use fresh aloe vera i.e., the fleshy gel of the spikes.

Just cut off a few spikes. Wash them well. Slit lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the slimy flesh.

Put in a blender or use a mixer to blend well. Measure out 1/4 cup, and you're ready to use the recipe above. 

Remember, the best way to stay protected is to wash your hands for 20 seconds after returning from a public place. When out and about, avoid touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, and wash your hands as soon as you can. 

Takeaway Truth

Use hand sanitizers correctly which means to apply liberally to your hands and rub your hands together until the gel "disappears."