This DIY hand sanitizer is based on the formulation recommendations of the World Health Organization's Guide for Local Production of Hand Rubs.
Each of the recipes below contains approximately a 2% essential oil concentration. Alcohol concentrations are listed for each recipe.
Prep Time5mins
Total Time5mins
Servings: 24-oz spray bottles
Ingredients
using 70% isopropyl alcohol - finished hand sanitizer contains approximately 63.5% alcohol
13/16cupisopropyl alcohol, 70% - this is 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon
10drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil
10drops Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil
4teaspoonsdistilled water
Instructions
In a pint-sized lidded glass jar, gently swirl together the isopropyl alcohol and the hydrogen peroxide. Add the glycerin and essential oils, screw on the lid, and shake or swirl gently until the glycerin is dissolved.
If using 91% isopropyl alcohol, add the 4 teaspoons distilled water and swirl again.
Divide the mixture evenly between two clean 4-oz spray bottles using a pipette or a mini-funnel to prevent spills. (Each bottle will be between 3/4 and 7/8 full.)
Screw on the caps, then label the bottles, including the date on which you've made the sanitizer. Let the bottles sit for 72 hours before use to allow time for any spores or other contaminants within the mixture to be destroyed.
To use, shake well, then spritz generously on your hands and rub over all sides and surfaces of your hands. Rub until hands are dry.
Cautions: Do not spray on the face or near the eyes. Keep out of the reach of children.
Notes
If you don't have 70% isopropyl alcohol, you may use any alcohol that is at least 70% alcohol.If you want to know why we add water to the recipe with 91% isopropyl alcohol, see an explanation here.Use hand sanitizer within three months.