How to make your hand sanitizer at home

Making your own hand sanitizer at home is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your hands clean and germ-free. Here's a recipe to make a basic hand sanitizer using common household ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol)
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 10-15 drops of your preferred essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the water and rubbing alcohol: In a small bowl, combine the water and rubbing alcohol. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
2. Add the glycerin: Add the glycerin to the mixture and stir until it's fully incorporated.
3. Add the essential oil (optional): If you're using essential oil, add the drops to the mixture and stir well.
4. Mix well: Use a spoon or whisk to mix the ingredients until they're well combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Transfer to a container: Pour the mixture into a clean, sterilized container with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a small glass jar, a plastic bottle, or even a spray bottle.
6. Label and store: Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the ratio: You can adjust the ratio of water to rubbing alcohol to suit your preferences. A higher ratio of rubbing alcohol will make the sanitizer more effective, but it may also be more drying to your skin.
• Use a different essential oil: You can choose a different essential oil for a unique scent and potential benefits. Some popular options include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and lemon oil.
• Add a thickening agent: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a small amount of cornstarch or aloe vera gel to the mixture.
• Make it foamy: You can add a small amount of dish soap to the mixture to create a foamy hand sanitizer.

How to use:

1. Apply: Apply a small amount of the hand sanitizer to your hands.
2. Rub: Rub your hands together until the sanitizer is fully absorbed.
3. Let it dry: Let the sanitizer dry completely before touching anything or performing any activities.

Important notes:

• Make sure to use a high enough concentration of rubbing alcohol: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol to be effective against most germs.
• Use within a reasonable timeframe: Homemade hand sanitizer typically has a shelf life of 6-12 months. Make sure to check the expiration date and use the sanitizer within that timeframe.
• Follow proper hygiene practices: While hand sanitizer can be effective, it's still important to wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Remember to always follow proper hygiene practices and use your homemade hand sanitizer responsibly.