How To Make Hand Sanitizer #DIY

OK friends — being about that #quarantinelife means we have to do the best we can to stay safe. Well, desperate times call for desperate measures. If you would have told me six months ago that there would have been a shortage on hand sanitizer, I wouldn’t have believed you. Let’s not even talk about the price gouging.

[disclaim]DISCLAIMER: DO RESEARCH ON THE PRODUCTS YOU CHOOSE TO USE BEFORE USING. I am NOT responsible for any injury. Make at your own risk. [/disclaim] 

During this quarantine time, I’ve been able to organize and complete tasks that I’ve been putting off for some time, because — life. In the midst of all that, I found some hidden gems. A hot commodity. Like…these mini hand sanitizers!

All I can think about are all of the conferences that I’ve attended — and race packet pick-ups that included swag in the form of hand sanitizer. Which I will never take for granted again! Thank goodness I’m a swag-bag hoarder, because now I have two more sanitizers to add to my stash.

During this pandemic, I’ve been trying to look at the glass half full. Perspective keeps me from getting caught up in the fear of the unknown. We all have to embrace this new normal and trust that it will all work out in the end. I’ve been able to cook more, try new recipes, and yes, even learn how to make my own hand sanitizer.

It’s pretty simple.

What You’ll Need

• • 3/4 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (90+ % percent)
  • 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (this will keep your hands from getting too dry from the harshness of the alcohol) 
  • 10 drops of essential oil, I used rosemary and lemongrass
  • You will want to pick up this lotion on one of your essential runs. It will help with dry skin.

Directions

• • Pour your ingredients into a bowl. Use a glass measuring container (with a spout) like a Pyrex found here.
  • Mix ingredients with a spoon and then use a whisk to turn the sanitizer into a gel. I ended up adding a little more gel for consistency. 
  • Add 10 drops of essential oils and mix again.
  • Pour ingredients into an empty bottle.
  • Note: You can also use a previously used soap dispenser or hand sanitizer bottle. Just make sure you completely empty out, clean, and dry before use. 

• Give people 6 FT in public spaces and hopefully they will do the same for you.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds or longer with soap. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Use soap before and after eating.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap after using the bathroom.
• No handshaking. Elbow bumps only OR nothing at all.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth, especially if you have not washed your hands.
• Know how to properly use gloves at home and in public. Read more here.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Do not attend any gatherings, church gatherings, playdates, couple’s game nights, large or small gatherings — none of that! That’s what Facetime and Zoom are for! Flatten the Curve.
• Stay home when you are sick or a family member is sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. It’s really best to stay home unless you picking up essentials: groceries, medicine, etc. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.