Today I would like to share with you 2 simple recipes that work for us. If you are looking for a safer alternative to support your household and yourselves, you could try these DIY Hand Sanitizer and Wipes. You have probably read my previous post on how to Work Together as a Family during Uncertain Times. Today I am sharing something that is being used in our household as well.
I am not a super crafty person, though I like making things by hand. I have always made things with my children and encourage them to upcycle things they already have. Uncertain times call for creativity since a lot of places experience shortage of sanitizers, wipes and disinfecting tools. In fact, the recipes below could turn into a cool science project for older children. You can share with them about essential oils not mixing with water. And also teach them essential oils safety (we always dilute them, we don’t use them without and adult’s supervision).
I really like essential oils that don’t only add nice scent to things but have multiple properties that benefit our bodies and environment. So DIY hand sanitizer and wipes that contain them are a good way to assure that.
- DIY Hand Sanitizer
You will need:
- 5 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 4 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
- 4-5 drops of Tea Tree oil
- 4-5 drops of Lavender oil
- 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Plastic or glass container
Combine aloe vera with essential oils and vitamin E oil (optional). Add water. If you want to make it as a spray, add more water. Add rubbing alcohol if you desire. Place the mix into a plastic container or a spray bottle. If it is a spray – shake before each use. Apply small amounts on your hands or surfaces.
You can forgo aloe vera at all and just use rubbing alcohol.
You can also try 8-10 drops of a cleansing blend or an immune blend (whichever one you use).
2. DIY Wipes
- 1 roll premium paper towels/ equivalent number of cut up squares of cloth (old t-shirt, per se)
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- 3 drops Tea tree oil
- 3 drops Lavender oil
- 1–2 tablespoons unscented liquid soap
- 2-3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol (optional)
Mix essential oils with carrier oil. Add liquid soap. Mix in water, and optional rubbing alcohol. Place towel roll/cloth into a container and pour the mix over. Secure the lid. Let it sit for few minutes. Flip the container over in order to allow the liquid to get absorbed better. Pour the excessive liquid out.
Use wipes to wipe surfaces. They are also suitable for using on skin. You can use them on a baby’s skin as well if you don’t add alcohol.
If you used cloth, you can wash the wipes with soap and water as usually by hand or in the washing machine.n
Do you have some cool recipes for DIY sanitizing products? I would love to hear about them!