Homemade Spray Hand Sanitizer That Works

Let’s make a homemade hand sanitizer spray that works! Hand sanitizer has become a staple in all our lives, and since it is often out of stock, not to mention expensive, people are turning to DIY searches on the internet. There are way too many half-baked recipes that are over-diluted and not effective. I’ve seen a lot of watered down, not enough alcohol and too much other stuff in them recipes. Many people are also confused about whether you can use Everclear, vodka, or isopropyl alcohol. So, let’s make it simple.

The CDC issued this recommendation:

“Hand washing mechanically removes pathogens, while laboratory data demonstrate that 60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol, the active ingredients in CDC-recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers, inactivates viruses that are genetically related to, and with similar physical properties as, the 2019-nCoV.”

What is the recommended percentage of alcohol in hand sanitizers? 

These are the CDC guidelines for alcohol in hand sanitizer:

• 60% ethanol (ethanol is alcohol; for example, Everclear and vodka are ethanol), or
• 70% isopropanol (which is the inexpensive isopropyl alcohol you find in the drugstore)

If we purchase alcohol with a higher percentage than what is listed here, then we can dilute it down to 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl. No matter what, your final product should contain 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl.

All this being said, let’s just be clear that putting ethanol and isopropyl directly on your skin is not good for you. Especially isopropyl is not something that is supposed to go into your blood. And remember, what you put on your skin gets into your blood.

However, I do think that a 3-ingredient hand sanitizer recipe that we can make at home is healthier than the store-bought sanitizers that also contain other chemicals and artificial colors. Again, it isn’t like these DIY sanitizers are healthy, but they are needed.

So here is how you can make a homemade hand sanitizer spray and surface sanitizer, know exactly what is in them, and save money.

Can you make homemade hand sanitizer with vodka?

No, you can’t use vodka from the liquor store to make hand sanitizer. It isn’t strong enough.

80-proof vodka contains only 40% alcohol and 60% water.

100-proof vodka contains 50% alcohol and 50% water.

We need 60% alcohol, which is more than most vodka contains.

How to make hand sanitizer with Everclear or ethanol

An alcohol that can be found in some liquor stores is Everclear 151 proof, which contains 75.5% ethanol.

Some states in the U.S. also sell 190-proof Everclear, which contains 95% ethanol.

So yes, you can use Everclear to make hand sanitizer.

In addition to Everclear, organic, high-proof ethanol can also be found online.

You can purchase certified organic alcohol that is 190-proof, or 95% alcohol.

You might also see this product referred to as high proof alcohol, neutral grain spirits, pure grain alcohol, ethyl alcohol, 190-proof, white spirits, and ethanol, depending on the industry or intended use for the alcohol.

This company has a variety of 190-proof alcohols available and all of them can be used. Some are more expensive than others, so I use the cheapest one for making hand sanitizer.

When you purchase 190-proof alcohol, then you can add other ingredients, such as distilled water or hydrosol, to dilute it down to 60%.

How to make sanitizer with isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is inexpensive. You can purchase 90-99% isopropyl alcohol at your local drugstore and then dilute it to 70%. Your end product needs to contain 70%, which is required to create an effective sanitizer.

Do not use straight isopropyl alcohol higher than 70% on your skin. Dilute the 90-99% isopropyl down to 70% with combination of aloe vera gel, glycerine or distilled water.

It is best to dilute with a combination that includes aloe vera or glycerine, as these substances help the sanitizer adhere to hands and surfaces you use it on.

Again, let’s be clear, isopropyl is not good for you. What you put on your skin goes into your blood. We are using it for a very specific purpose, and only use what you have to. All alcohol, especially isopropyl, irritates the skin. Use it only when you need it. Isopropyl is harder on the skin and I don’t use it on my skin at all. This is a personal preference, but it is the least expensive option and per CDC guidelines, it is an effective hand sanitizer.

I use pure grain alcohol for sanitizer that goes on skin and isopropyl alcohol for disinfectant sprayed on surfaces such as doorknobs and tables.

Other ingredients in homemade spray hand sanitizer

Hydrosol

To dilute high-proof alcohol, many recipes call for adding distilled water. You can do that, or you can add an herbal hydrosol to give a bit of a pleasant aroma. I like to use lavender hydrosol or frankincense hydrosol.

Glycerine or Aloe Vera Gel

A small amount of glycerine or aloe vera gel (use the thicker variety) is added to slightly buffer the harshness of the alcohol. It also helps the hand sanitizer stay on the hands and not evaporate immediately. Glycerine or aloe vera gel can be used as a humectant that helps the alcohol stay on a surface.

I see a lot of recipes with glycerine or aloe vera mention that these ingredients add a moisturizing effect. This hand sanitizer is not about moisturizing. Please don’t think that the small amount of aloe vera or glycerine is your moisturizer. It exists to help temper the harsh effects of the alcohol and have the alcohol stay on your hands a little longer. But you will need more moisturizer afterwards.

This hand sanitizer is for killing the virus, not to moisturize. You spray it on your hands, then you spray the shopping cart, or the door handle, or the countertop and then spray your hands again. When you get home, you wash with soap and water to decontaminate and then you can relax and moisturize.

Alcohol is hard on your skin, so you want to use it only when you need it. I use the hand sanitizer to kill the bacteria when I am out in the world and then wash with soap and water and moisturize when I am home.

It is very important to moisturize after using a lot of hand sanitizer. Please oil up when you are at home. Dried-out skin affects lymph flow and reduces your immune function. So please find a good moisturizer to use in-between hand sanitizing.

Can you put essential oils in hand sanitizer?

Contrary to popular belief, we should not be slopping around essential oils every day. I know several essential oil experts that have been working with essential oils for more than 40 years, and they will tell you how they use protective gear when pouring out their oils.

Use essential oils when you have a specific need for them. Don’t throw them into a hand sanitizer to add “extra antimicrobial action.” Alcohol is an effective sanitizer; the essential oils are not needed. If you would like to add them because of personal preference, no problem, just be clear that the alcohol is the sanitizer.

Also, many essential oils are drying to the skin, so I don’t want that extra added drying factor. Again, essential oils are not needed for disinfecting; we are using alcohol as the sanitizing agent.

Homemade hand sanitizer spray containers

You can use any container that you can get a hold of, but I just wanted to share with you where I purchase my 2- and 4-ounce glass spray bottles.

Remember, hand sanitizers do not replace washing with soap and water. I use hand sanitizer when I am out in the world and can’t get to a hand washing station.

Be well and take good care,