If the recent outbreak of viruses has taught us anything, it’s the importance of personal hygiene. Washing your hands frequently is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Unfortunately, access to soap and water is not available everywhere and that’s where hand sanitizers come in.
Hand sanitizers are easy to use, portable, and effective in keeping germs at bay. However, most store-bought hand sanitizers contain harmful chemicals and additives that can be damaging to the skin with prolonged use. Hence, making your own hand sanitizer is the best way to ensure the quality of ingredients used.
One of the best natural ingredients to use in a DIY hand sanitizer is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent ingredient in hand sanitizer.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a DIY tea tree oil hand sanitizer that is effective, gentle, and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup Aloe Vera Gel
- 2/3 cup Isopropyl Alcohol (at least 70%)
- 10 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 10 drops any other essential oil (optional)
Tools:
- Bowl and Spoon
- Measuring cup
- Funnel
- Pump or Squeeze bottle (3-4oz)
Steps:
Step 1: Measure Ingredients
Measure out your 1/3 cup of Aloe Vera Gel into a bowl or a measuring cup.
Measure out 2/3 cup of Isopropyl Alcohol and pour it into the same bowl as the Aloe Vera Gel.
Add 10 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of your other essential oil (if you’d like a different scent) to the bowl.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Use your spoon to mix all the ingredients together in the bowl. Stir well and make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Pour Into Bottle
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into a pump or squeeze bottle. Fill the bottle about 3/4 of the way to the top.
Put on the pump or the cap and give it a good shake to mix the ingredients one more time.
Step 4: Label Bottle
Label your bottle as ‘Hand Sanitizer’. This is important to differentiate it from other products that you may have in similar bottles. Make sure to include the date that the mixture was made.
Usage:
To use your new hand sanitizer, pump or squeeze a small amount into your hand. Rub your hands together, making sure you cover all surfaces. Continue rubbing your hands together until the sanitizer has fully dried.
Remember, the hand sanitizer is effective for killing germs, but nothing replaces washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of essential oil?
Yes, you can use any essential oil you prefer, but make sure it is skin-safe and not too strong in scent.
2. Can I use this hand sanitizer on my face or body?
No, this hand sanitizer is specifically formulated for the hands, and should not be used on the face or body.
3. Can I use vegetable glycerin instead of Aloe Vera Gel?
Yes, you can use vegetable glycerin instead of Aloe Vera Gel. It has similar thick and moisturizing properties.
4. Do I need to use Isopropyl Alcohol at 70%?
Yes, it is recommended to use Isopropyl Alcohol at least at 70% because it has higher alcohol content to effectively kill germs and viruses.
5. Can I add more Tea Tree Oil?
Yes, but 10 drops of tea tree oil is the recommended amount. Adding more can cause skin irritation and may not be as effective in killing germs.
Conclusion:
Making your own hand sanitizer is a great way to ensure the quality of ingredients, and using tea tree oil can add the extra benefit of antibacterial and antifungal properties. As always, washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of germs, but having a hand sanitizer handy when you don’t have access to soap and water is just as important.
