These days it seems like everyone has a bottle of hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial wipes on hand. The worry about germs and illnesses seems to be growing, along with the strength of the germs. I am not a big user of the stuff, I am firm in the belief that the reason the germs are getting so powerful, is because of the amount of sanitizer and related products that are being used more. However, even I carry a bottle of the stuff and find myself using it on occasion. For instance, after the creepy guy eyes me too long in the store, or touching a grocery store carriage or bag and discover it is wet or dirty, and not with rain, or my kids decide that they need to touch something that does not need touching.
The cost of hand sanitizer is the stores seems very high to me, especially after discovering exactly what is in those bottles. Most hand sanitizers are mainly alcohol, which is inexpensive on its own. Therefore, I have studied the products and the properties of the various ingredients used, and come up with my own recipe. My recipe includes aloe vera gel, to counteract the drying effects of the alcohol. I use the aloe vera gel that I harvest from my own plants, but you can use store bought gel with no difference in the final product. If you prefer not to use rubbing alcohol, you can substitute witch hazel for an equally effective gel.
You can even make a few batches, so that members of your household can each have their own scent. For maximum potency I highly recommend using an essential oil that contains anti-fungal or anti-bacterial properties; such as lavender, tea tree, or peppermint essential oil. You can combine your favorite essential oils to make the recipe and final product uniquely your own. I like to use lavender and lemongrass or peppermint, but those are my personal favorites, but do not be afraid to find your own unique combination.
You Will Need:
2/3 Cup of rubbing alcohol (99% is best)
1/3 Cup of aloe vera gel
8 to 10 drops of the essential oils of your choice ( vanilla, lavender, grapefruit, peppermint, etc.)
Mixing bowl and spoon
Funnel
Bottle(s) for the finished product
Instructions:
1. Chose which essential oils you would like to use. They can be found in most heath food stores and through many online shopping venues, including Amazon and Etsy.
2. Pour the alcohol and aloe vera gel into a mixing bowl, I prefer using glass bowls.
3. Stir well, so that the two ingredients as thoroughly blended.
4. Add the essential oil(s) drop by drop, stirring as you go. This will allow you to make sure the scent does not become overwhelming. Just remember not to exceed the 10 drops of essential oil per cup of mixture.
5. Use the funnel to get the finished product into the bottles you want to store the sanitizing gel in. I recommend using squeeze of pump bottles such as empty soap bottles of reusing containers that help commercial sanitizers previously.
6. Seal the bottles, wipe up any spills, and you are ready to go.
This is very easy to make, and you can even get the kids involved. Let them pick out the container or the essential oil. Depending on the ages, you can let them do the pouring and mixing. I think letting the kids play a role in the creation of the gel will give them a sense of pride and make them a little more willing to use it. I know that my two children love the idea and practice of using something they have made.
