Can't Find Hand Sanitizer? Make Your Own With This Easy DIY Recipe

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker

Ed. note: This story has been updated with new ingredients to reflect a more effective solution. We want to be clear that this DIY is a suggestion if you can't find the hardcore stuff. Washing your hands with soap and water is a highly effective method of protecting against viruses, per the CDC. Hand sanitizer should be used when soap and water is unavailable and should contain at least 60% alcohol, per the CDC. The solution we're suggesting should contain about 66% alcohol.

Advertisement

These days, hand sanitizer can be hard to come by. If you're having a tough time coming up with a bulk supply, fear not: You can easily make your own, however, it will require access to rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, which is also in high demand. You will need isopropyl alcohol with a very high concentration intended for technical use — most drugstore rubbing alcohol has a 70% concentration.

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Things You'll Need

Directions for DIY Hand Sanitizer:

Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker

It's easy! Simply mix together the aloe vera gel and alcohol and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil, if you want to give it some fragrance. (We experimented with lavender and rosemary essential oils, combining the two for a very herby-floral scent.)

Advertisement

Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker

House in an old dish soap bottle or reusable soap dispenser.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker

The gel and liquid may separate a bit so you'll just want to give it a shake before using. Travel shampoo bottles also make it portable!

Advertisement

Image Credit: Stephen Paul for Hunker

Stay healthy (and germ-free!).

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...