Now more than ever, people are making an effort to keep their hands clean and germ-free. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using hand sanitizer. However, with the increasing demand for sanitizers, the shortage of supplies has led to skyrocketed prices of store-bought options. Fortunately, making your own DIY hand sanitizer spray is a cost-effective and effortless way to protect yourself and your loved ones. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of making your sanitizer spray, the science behind sanitizers, choosing the right ingredients, a step-by-step guide to creating your spray, and other essential factors you need to consider.
Why You Should Consider Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer Spray
There are many reasons why you should create your DIY hand sanitizer spray. Firstly, it is cost-effective. With a few ingredients, you can make enough hand sanitizer that will last you for weeks or even months. Secondly, it is effortless to make, and you can customize it to suit your preferences by adding essential oils and fragrances. Thirdly, it contains natural ingredients, which have no chemicals that can harm your skin.
Another reason to consider making your own hand sanitizer spray is that it allows you to have control over the ingredients. You can choose the quality of the ingredients and ensure that they are safe and effective. Additionally, you can avoid the harsh chemicals that are often found in commercial hand sanitizers, which can cause skin irritation and other health problems.
Finally, making your own hand sanitizer spray can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. It is a great way to learn about the properties of different ingredients and experiment with different fragrances and essential oils. Plus, you can share your homemade hand sanitizer with friends and family, which can help them stay healthy and safe.
The Benefits of DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray Over Store-Bought Options
While store-bought hand sanitizers may be convenient, they often contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation. They may also have high alcohol content, which can dry out your skin. DIY hand sanitizer spray, on the other hand, allows you to know exactly what you're applying on your skin. You can control the ingredients used, ensuring that you use non-toxic and natural products.
In addition to being able to control the ingredients used, DIY hand sanitizer spray can also be more cost-effective than store-bought options. Many of the ingredients needed to make hand sanitizer spray, such as rubbing alcohol and essential oils, can be purchased in bulk and used for multiple batches. This can save you money in the long run, especially if you frequently use hand sanitizer.
Another benefit of DIY hand sanitizer spray is that it can be customized to your preferences. You can choose the scent and strength of the essential oils used, as well as the consistency of the spray. This allows you to create a hand sanitizer that not only effectively kills germs, but also smells and feels pleasant on your skin.
Understanding the Science Behind Hand Sanitizers and How They Work
Hand sanitizers work by killing germs and bacteria on your skin. They contain alcohol, which destroys the cell membrane of bacteria, causing them to die. It's essential to note that hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing- it's an addition to it. Washing your hands with soap and water is still the most effective way to get rid of germs on your hands.
There are different types of hand sanitizers available in the market, and they vary in their effectiveness. Some hand sanitizers contain less than 60% alcohol, which may not be effective in killing all types of germs. It's crucial to choose a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to ensure maximum protection against germs.
Hand sanitizers can also be harmful if ingested or used inappropriately. Children should always be supervised while using hand sanitizers, and it's essential to keep them out of reach. Ingesting hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening, especially in young children.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray
Before you start making your spray, it's crucial to choose the right ingredients. You will need alcohol, aloe vera gel, and essential oils of your choice. First, make sure the alcohol you're using has an alcohol content of at least 60%. You can use either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol; both work well. Secondly, ensure that your aloe vera gel is 100% pure. The aloe vera will help moisturize your skin. Lastly, you can add essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or peppermint, to make your spray smell nice.
It's important to note that while essential oils can add a pleasant scent to your hand sanitizer spray, they should not be relied upon as the main ingredient for disinfecting. The alcohol is the key ingredient that kills germs and viruses. Additionally, be cautious when using essential oils, as some can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It's best to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new essential oil in your hand sanitizer spray.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer Spray at Home
Now that you have the ingredients you need, let's take you through a step by step guide to creating your hand sanitizer spray.
- Start by mixing two-thirds of a cup of isopropyl or ethyl alcohol with one third of a cup of aloe vera gel. Mix them well so that both ingredients are completely combined.
- You can add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Stir until the fragrance is evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, ensuring that the bottle is clean and dry.
- Shake the bottle well, so that the ingredients are well mixed.
- Your DIY hand sanitizer spray is now ready to use! Apply on your hands when in public or whenever you feel the need to sanitize your hands.
It is important to note that hand sanitizer spray should not be used as a substitute for washing your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer spray is only effective in killing germs when your hands are not visibly dirty or greasy. If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, it is recommended that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Additionally, it is important to store your hand sanitizer spray in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the alcohol in the hand sanitizer to evaporate, reducing its effectiveness. It is also important to keep your hand sanitizer spray out of reach of children, as ingesting even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful.
Tips for Properly Storing and Using Your Homemade Hand Sanitizer Spray
Your homemade sanitizer spray can last for several weeks or even months if you store it well. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. You can also keep it in the fridge to help it last longer. When applying, make sure you use enough to cover your hands thoroughly. Rub your palms together for about 20 seconds, so that the sanitizer is evenly distributed, and your hands are dry.
It is important to note that homemade hand sanitizer spray should not be used as a substitute for washing your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is most effective when used on hands that are not visibly dirty or greasy. If your hands are visibly dirty, it is recommended that you wash them with soap and water first, and then use the hand sanitizer spray as an additional measure to kill any remaining germs.
How to Customize Your DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray with Essential Oils and Fragrances
If you want to add some fragrance to your hand sanitizer, you can add a few drops of essential oils. Some popular essential oils include lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon. They not only make your sanitizer smell nice, but they also have added benefits like anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
When adding essential oils to your hand sanitizer, it's important to use high-quality oils that are safe for topical use. You should also be mindful of the amount you add, as too much can cause skin irritation. A good rule of thumb is to add no more than 10 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces of hand sanitizer.
Another way to customize your DIY hand sanitizer spray is by adding moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera gel or glycerin. These ingredients can help prevent your hands from drying out, which is a common issue with frequent hand sanitizer use. Simply mix in a small amount of your chosen moisturizer with the other ingredients before adding it to your spray bottle.
Comparing Cost and Effectiveness of DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray vs Store-Bought Brands
The cost of creating your DIY hand sanitizer spray is significantly lower than store-bought brands. You can make several bottles of homemade sanitizer using one bottle of alcohol. Additionally, it's more effective because you can control the ingredients by adding natural products. Therefore, DIY hand sanitizer spray is a cost-effective and efficient way to keep your hands clean and germ-free.
However, it's important to note that not all DIY hand sanitizer recipes are effective. Some recipes may not contain enough alcohol to kill germs, while others may use ingredients that can cause skin irritation. It's important to do your research and follow a trusted recipe to ensure that your DIY hand sanitizer is both effective and safe to use.
Addressing Safety Concerns When Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer Spray
It's essential to follow the right measures when making your sanitizer spray. Firstly, make sure you measure the ingredients correctly. Secondly, use gloves when handling alcohol to avoid irritation and dry skin. Additionally, keep the sanitizer away from children as they can be sensitive to alcohol. Lastly, do not ingest the sanitizer as it's harmful to your health.
With these steps, you can make your DIY hand sanitizer spray, which is cost-effective and natural. With the ongoing pandemic, it's essential to keep your hands clean by washing them thoroughly and sanitizing them regularly. Your homemade hand sanitizer spray is a great addition to your hand hygiene regimen, and with the right steps, you can make it safely and effectively.
However, it's important to note that making your own hand sanitizer spray may not be as effective as commercially produced ones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content. If you're unsure about the alcohol content of your homemade sanitizer, it's best to use a commercial one instead.
Furthermore, if you have any allergies or skin conditions, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any hand sanitizer, whether homemade or commercial. They can advise you on the best products to use and any precautions you need to take to avoid any adverse reactions.
