As the pandemic unfolded, many of us rushed to stock up on hand sanitizer. While those frantic days may be behind us, maintaining clean hands is still a priority. Germs have always surrounded us, but our awareness of hygiene has increased significantly, especially with the rise of COVID-19. Although washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water remains the most effective method, hand sanitizer sprays offer a convenient alternative you can take anywhere. Plus, if stores ever run low on your favorite brand again, you’ll be able to create your own hand sanitizer spray at home.
And don’t worry; you don’t need to be a DIY expert to make a pleasant-smelling, kid-friendly hand sanitizer spray. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a simple and budget-friendly sanitizer at home, keep reading for a safe and effective recipe.
A Kid-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Spray
To ensure that your homemade hand sanitizer is both safe and effective for children, it must contain rubbing alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for optimal effectiveness. When using essential oils for scent, it’s crucial to select ones that are safe for kids, as children can be more sensitive to essential oils than adults. Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, and conduct a patch test by applying a small amount to a limited skin area and waiting 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
If you’re concerned about your little ones potentially ingesting or licking the sanitizer, it’s best to spray it directly onto their hands rather than letting them handle the bottle. Always store your sanitizer in a secure location.
DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray Recipe
Creating your own scented hand sanitizer spray is easier than you might think! You’ll only need three ingredients: rubbing alcohol, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils. The rubbing alcohol serves to eliminate germs, while glycerin (or aloe vera gel) helps keep your hands moisturized and prevents dryness. Essential oils not only add a delightful fragrance but may also enhance the antibacterial properties of your sanitizer. However, feel free to skip the essential oils if you prefer!
Ingredients:
- Two-thirds cup of 99% isopropyl alcohol
- One-third cup of glycerin
- 20 drops of essential oil (optional)
- A spray bottle
- A funnel
- A label
Directions:
- Pour the glycerin and essential oils into the spray bottle.
- Add the isopropyl alcohol until the bottle is nearly full.
- Secure the cap and shake well to mix the ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to sit for at least 72 hours to ensure any bacteria introduced during mixing are killed.
- Shake well before each use!
Shelf Life of Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Whether you’ve made your own or purchased it, hand sanitizer doesn’t last indefinitely. It’s effective for about three years, as the alcohol content can diminish over time, reducing its germ-killing capacity. Even if it’s your only option, some alcohol is better than none.
What About Witch Hazel?
While witch hazel may have a scent reminiscent of alcohol, it is not a disinfectant and will not kill the bacteria or viruses on your hands. However, it can be beneficial for soothing inflammation or irritation.
Avoid These Ingredients in Your DIY Sanitizer
To keep your DIY hand sanitizer safe for kids, steer clear of these ingredients:
- Triclosan: A synthetic pesticide banned by the FDA in antibacterial soaps.
- Fragrance: This may cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: A potential skin irritant for some individuals.
- Artificial Dyes: Can cause allergic reactions or health issues.
- 1-Propyl Alcohol: Can lead to serious health risks if ingested or improperly applied.
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In summary, making your own hand sanitizer spray can be straightforward and rewarding, ensuring that you have a germ-fighting option on hand at all times. Just remember to prioritize safety when choosing ingredients, especially when it comes to kids.