The Complete Guide to Making Hand Sanitizer: Recipes, History, and Creative Uses

Introduction

As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizer has become one of the most important tools in preventing the spread of infection. However, finding hand sanitizer in stores can be a challenge, and many products are often out of stock. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to making your own hand sanitizer at home. We will cover everything from the necessary ingredients and step-by-step instructions to the history and science behind hand sanitizer. Additionally, we will provide alternative recipes as well as eco-friendly solutions to making hand sanitizer. Lastly, we will explore the creative ways people are using hand sanitizer in their everyday lives.

Step-by-step guide

Making hand sanitizer is surprisingly simple, and the ingredients required are readily available at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Below is a list of the necessary ingredients:

• 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol (at least 90% alcohol concentration)
• 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or grapefruit oil)

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making hand sanitizer:

1. In a bowl, mix together the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel until fully combined.
2. Add in the essential oil and stir to incorporate.
3. Pour the mixture into a plastic bottle with a squirt top to dispense the hand sanitizer.
4. Label the bottle with the date and keep out of direct sunlight.

Comparison article

While the above recipe is a simple and effective way to make hand sanitizer, there are also other recipes that incorporate different ingredients. One popular recipe variation involves adding essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or grapefruit oil, for added fragrance. Another popular variation is to use witch hazel instead of aloe vera gel. Here is a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of each recipe:

Rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel recipe:

• Benefits: This recipe is easy to make, is effective in killing germs, and contains moisturizing properties from the aloe vera gel.
• Drawbacks: The scent of rubbing alcohol can be unpleasant and overwhelming, and the recipe requires a specific alcohol concentration of at least 90%.

Rubbing alcohol and essential oils recipe:

• Benefits: The addition of essential oils can provide a pleasant scent and therapeutic benefits. Lavender oil, for example, has calming properties, while tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties.
• Drawbacks: The essential oils can be expensive, and some people may experience skin irritation from the oils.

Rubbing alcohol and witch hazel recipe:

• Benefits: The recipe is effective in killing germs, and witch hazel has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Drawbacks: Witch hazel can be difficult to find in some stores, and the scent may be unpleasant to some.

History and science of hand sanitizer

The use of hand sanitizer can be traced back to the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it gained popularity as a means of preventing infection in healthcare settings. Hand sanitizers work by using alcohol to denature and destroy the proteins in bacteria and viruses, rendering them inactive. The effectiveness of hand sanitizer in killing germs depends on the alcohol concentration, with the most effective hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol.

DIY and eco-friendly hand sanitizer

If you are looking for a more natural and eco-friendly hand sanitizer, consider making your own using the following recipe:

• 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup of witch hazel
• 1/4 cup of distilled water
• 20 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or grapefruit oil)

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this DIY and eco-friendly hand sanitizer:

1. In a bowl, mix together the aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and distilled water until fully combined.
2. Add in the essential oil and stir to incorporate.
3. Pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle to dispense the hand sanitizer.
4. Label the bottle with the date and keep out of direct sunlight.

Using natural ingredients and sustainable packaging not only benefits the environment, but it also reduces the likelihood of skin irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Creative uses of hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer has become a versatile tool in the fight against germs and bacteria. Here are a few unconventional ways to use hand sanitizer:

• Clean your phone: We use our phones constantly throughout the day, which can make them a breeding ground for germs. Use a small amount of hand sanitizer on a microfiber cloth to clean your phone screen and case.
• Refresh your hands: If you’re out and about and can’t wash your hands, use a small amount of hand sanitizer to freshen up.
• Clean household surfaces: Hand sanitizer is effective in cleaning surfaces around the house, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
• Make homemade air fresheners: Combine hand sanitizer with water and essential oils to create a homemade air freshener that will kill germs while leaving your home smelling fresh.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your own hand sanitizer is a simple and effective solution in the fight against germs and bacteria. Whether you choose to make the traditional rubbing alcohol and aloe vera recipe or a more natural and eco-friendly version, the benefits of using hand sanitizer cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the creative uses of hand sanitizer prove how versatile this simple product can be.