How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

Aloe vera acts as the moisturizing ingredient in this simple sanitizer recipe. Using only four ingredients, it's the perfect recipe for learning how to make your own hand sanitizer.
Photo by Fotolia/joanna wnuk

In "The Country Almanac for Housekeeping Techniques," Richard Freudenberger and the editors of "BackHome Magazine" have collected hundreds of formulas for effective cleaning, gardening and home maintenance — as well as ways that our ancestors saved on heating bills, prevented costly repairs and maintained a cozy, charming home with little besides ingenuity.
Cover courtesy Fair Winds Press

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Recent studies show that modern commercial household cleaners are causing serious health issues for individuals and their families. The Country Almanac of Housekeeping Techniques That Save You Money (Fair Winds Press, 2012) by Richard Freudenberger and the editors of Back Home Magazine shows you how to keep a clean and healthy home for just pennies a day. Using a collection of formula for effective cleaning, gardening and home maintenance. Don’t just clean your household, get the longest life out of every item. The following excerpt explains how to make your own hand sanitizer.

How To Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer

Cost savings
You’ll spend about equal, but win by making a healthy alternative to drying commercial sanitizers.

Benefits
This moisturizing hand-sanitizer contains no alcohol like off-the-shelf varieties.

Pocket-size gel hand sanitizers are handy for on-the-go “cleanup,” but these formulas are drying, costly, and contain 60 to 90 percent alcohol. Why rub a formula on your hands that is potentially toxic before you eat? The risk elevates for mothers who carry sanitizers to clean children’s hands. The good news: You can make your own safe, affordable hand sanitizer.

Witch hazel, tea tree oil, and peppermint have antiseptic and astringent properties. They’re great germ killers. Aloe vera will prevent the skin from drying out—a welcome alternative to commercial sanitizers that leave hands parched.

Note: Even use of this all-natural solution should be limited to a few times daily for those with sensitive skin.