Create Your Own Hand Sanitizer Spray to Keep Your Hands Clean

Remember when we all rushed to buy hand sanitizer at the start of the pandemic? Those frantic early days might be behind us, but the need for clean and safe hands is more relevant than ever. While germs have always been a part of life, our heightened awareness due to the coronavirus has made us more vigilant about hygiene. Although washing hands with soap and water is still the gold standard for eliminating germs, a hand sanitizer spray is a convenient alternative. These sprays are portable and can be taken anywhere, ensuring you can keep your hands clean on the go. And in case stores ever run out of popular brands again, you can easily learn to make your own hand sanitizer spray at home.

DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray That’s Kid-Friendly

Wondering how to ensure your homemade hand sanitizer spray is both effective and safe for kids? The key ingredient is rubbing alcohol. According to the CDC, a hand sanitizer should contain at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective. Additionally, if you’re adding scents, especially essential oils, it’s crucial to select those that are safe for children. Essential oils can be beneficial, but they must be diluted properly, as children can have stronger reactions to them than adults. Always conduct a patch test by applying a small amount to the skin and waiting 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.

To prevent any accidental ingestion or licking, it’s best to spray the sanitizer directly onto their hands rather than letting them handle the bottle. Always store your spray bottle in a secure location out of reach of children.

How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer Spray

Creating your own scented hand sanitizer spray is simple and requires just three ingredients: rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), vegetable glycerin, and optional essential oils. The rubbing alcohol kills germs, glycerin helps moisturize your hands, and essential oils provide a pleasant fragrance. Keep in mind to maintain at least 60 percent alcohol in your mix for it to be effective.

Ingredients Needed:

Two-thirds cup of 99 percent isopropyl alcohol
One-third cup of glycerin (or aloe vera gel)
20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Spray bottle
Funnel
Label

Instructions:

Add glycerin and essential oils to your spray bottle.
Pour in the alcohol until the bottle is nearly full.
Secure the cap and shake well to mix.
Allow the mixture to sit for at least 72 hours to ensure any potential bacteria introduced during mixing are neutralized.
Shake and use as needed!

Shelf Life of Homemade Hand Sanitizer Spray

Whether homemade or store-bought, hand sanitizer has a shelf life of about three years. Over time, if the alcohol content falls below 60 percent, its germ-killing properties diminish. Don’t throw away unopened hand sanitizer, even if it’s past the expiration date—some alcohol content is still better than none.

What About Witch Hazel?

While witch hazel may have a scent similar to alcohol and is often used in skincare, it is not a disinfectant and does not kill the bacteria or viruses on your hands. It can be useful for reducing inflammation or irritation but not as a hand sanitizer.

Avoid These Ingredients in Your DIY Hand Sanitizer

To keep your hand sanitizer safe for both children and adults, avoid adding these potentially harmful ingredients:

Triclosan, a pesticide banned from bacterial soaps by the FDA.
Fragrances that can trigger allergies or asthma.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Artificial Dyes, which can cause allergic reactions.
1-Propyl alcohol, which can cause health issues if ingested or exposed to skin.

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In summary, making your own hand sanitizer spray is simple, cost-effective, and can be tailored to be safe for kids. With just three ingredients, you can create an effective sanitizer that also smells great. Always prioritize safety by keeping essential oils properly diluted and ensuring your sanitizer has a sufficient alcohol content.

Keyphrase: DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray Recipe

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