Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Based on alcohol
• Warnings

Washing your hands with soap is still best, but if you don't have soap and water on hand, using hand gel is the best way to keep your hands clean. Buying hand gel every time can become expensive, and due to COVID-19 or the new corona virus, hand gel is even difficult to get in certain places. In this article you can read how you can make your own hand gel, so that you can disinfect your hands anytime, anywhere. Making your own hand gel is not difficult at all and you can adjust the recipe to your preference. For example, choose hand gel based on alcohol, or make hand gel with witch hazel or essential oil.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Based on alcohol

1. First, gather for the necessary ingredients. This sanitizer is very similar to the hand gel you buy at the store, only without the chemical additives and without that pungent odor. You are not supposed to use hand gel instead of washing your hands. Only use it when absolutely necessary, such as when you don't have water on hand. You need this:
   • 150 ml rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), 99%, or grain alcohol (190 proof)
   • 100 ml pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
   • 8 to 10 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, clove, cinnamon, or peppermint oil
   • Mixing bowl
   • Spoon
   • Funnel
   • Glass jar or plastic container
2. First, collect the ingredients. Some people prefer to use an antiseptic gel without alcohol. Alcohol smells rather strong and also dries out your skin. A hand gel based on witch hazel is a good alternative. Tea tree oil also has an extra disinfectant effect. You need this:
   • 100 ml pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives)
   • 1 1/2 teaspoons of witch hazel
   • 30 drops of tea tree oil
   • 5 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or peppermint oil
   • Mixing bowl
   • Spoon
   • Funnel
   • Glass jar or plastic container
3. Stir in the essential oil. The scent of the tea tree oil is already quite strong, so don't add too much of the essential oil. In principle, a drop or five is enough. If you want to add more, don't add more than one drop at a time.
4. Pour the mixture through the funnel into the jar or container. Hold the funnel over the opening of the jar or container and pour in the hand gel. Fill the jar or container with the gel and put the lid on. Leave the jar or container closed until you are ready to use the gel.
   • If you want to take the hand gel with you on the go, a small spray bottle also works well.
   • If not all of the gel fits in the bottle, keep the rest of the hand gel in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

Warnings

• Do not get the hand gel in your eyes! If antiseptic gel does get into your eyes, rinse your eyes immediately with water and see a doctor as soon as possible.