With the worldwide pandemic of the Coronavirus going on, it has been impossible to find hand sanitizer anywhere.
I always have a hand sanitizer in my purse and religiously use it, especially before eating anything when I am out. Wouldn’t you know that I ran out right as all the stores ran out with no time to replace my hand sanitizer?
I went everywhere looking but couldn’t find them so I decided to just get them online, come to find out they were either sold out or they were ridiculous prices with price gouging already going on.
I have long been a lover of essential oils and making DIY natural health products so I gathered up all my supplies, did a little research and experimenting and came up with my own version.
I realize that the CDC recommends good old fashioned hand washing with hot water and soap, rubbing vigorously for 20 seconds.
Have you ever tried to do that for 20 seconds? Have you ever timed how long it takes for the water to heat up? I haven’t, I am too impatient for that. I mean, I have tried the 20-second thing but I wash my hands so often now, I just don’t feel like I can handle standing there singing little songs or saying little prayers long enough without losing my mind. I want to get on with things.
Plus, I don’t want to waste paper towel every time I wash my hands and it isn’t feasible to use a clean towel every time either. Even though I change out hand towels regularly, I am sure they are a hotbed of germs.
This is why I prefer hand sanitizer, my favorite being a hand sanitizer spray so I can also spray it on carts, keys, door handles, my phone, keyboard, mouse and steering wheel.
The CDC also recommends a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer to ensure that bacteria and viruses are killed on contact.
I have my own opinions on that. First of all, the alcohol-based sanitizers not only kill all the bad bacteria but they kill the good ones as well. And secondly, they dry out your hands so much that you are likely to be more at risk from cracked and broken skin. And thirdly, the CDC doesn’t account for the powerful antibacterial and antiviral qualities of essential oils and other natural ingredients.
And I’ll add a fourth. I trust products I make myself way more than ones I buy in the store sometimes. I know what I put in them and I don’t spare the expense of putting the best ingredients in my DIY natural health products whereas I don’t know where manufacturers, probably in China have cut corners to save money.
So I will share with you what I have done to make my own hand sanitizing spray, but keep in mind the official declaration from the CDC and then do what you think is best for you.
The official CDC recommendation (taken directly from their website) is :
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
My medical disclaimer as stated on my Disclosures page is:
Nothing on this blog is meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, medical or psychological condition. Information acquired on this site should not be a substitute for your research and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The suggestions offered are without guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of use.
So with all of that out of the way, allow me to share with you, one friend to another, what I include in my hand sanitizers and why.
Hand Sanitizer Spray Ingredients & Why
Witch Hazel
- it is an astringent made from a plant with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that is soothing to the skin
- it contains tannins which help reduce swelling, repair broken skin and fight bacteria
Vitamin E Oil
- it is known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- it helps support the immune system and cell function
- it is moisturizing and soothing to the skin
Tea Tree Essential Oil
- it is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral
- it is an immune-stimulant
- it is a strong antiseptic
- it is good for supporting the immune and respiratory system
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- it is antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral
- it has antiseptic properties
- has been used for asthma, coughs, fever, respiratory issues, and sinusitis
Rosemary Essential Oil
- it is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory
- it is good for common colds, headache, sinusitis, bronchitis, and flu
Colloidal Silver
- it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties
- it works well with and can increase the antimicrobial properties of essential oils
The Colloidal Silver is optional. I always keep some in my natural health medicine cabinet for emergencies so it was easy to go ahead and add a dropper full for a little extra boost. You can read here in Science Daily how Tea Tree Oil and Silver make a more effective antiseptic.
You can use any combination of essential oils you like. I would just do a little research first to see what goes good together and then experiment with mixing them together in a little bowl to test the scents and see if they are appealing to you or not.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Recommended Products
Amazon has had a run on a lot of the ingredients for making hand-sanitizers so I made sure the items I included are in stock, affordable, the best quality and qualifies for Prime delivery. I will update these items weekly while we are going through this pandemic and then yearly when we go through cold and flu season so check back.
Note: This would be a good project with the kids to make a bunch to stock up and share with neighbors, friends, and family who are having a hard time finding hand sanitizers.
You may also be interested in my post about how to make your own DIY Foaming Hand Soap. Currently, those are hard to find as well. With all the frequent hand washing these days you will really appreciate this recipe because it is moisturizing and kind to your hands.
You may also be in need of some hope and encouragement as you are struggling with anxiety and fear over all the things happening in the world right now. I encourage you to grab our Words of Hope printable in our FREE Resource Library (Learn how to access this at the bottom of this post). Or you may want to read my post How To Hold Onto Hope When You Are Hanging By A Thread.
I’d like to leave you with this blessing for additional encouragement.
Receive “The Blessing” and Be at Peace!
Wishing you Joy in your journey,
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