How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer at Home

These days, hand sanitizer is one of those household items that you always want to have on hand. So when stores are running low or you can't find any online, it's time to take matters into your own germ-covered hands and make it yourself. Here are the easy step-by-step instructions for how to make hand sanitizer for a fraction of the cost as the over-the-counter stuff.

From what type of alcohol to include to what essential oils to add to the mix, this article will teach you how to make hand sanitizer and include links to the essential ingredients. Your hands will be germ-free and fresh-smelling in no time.

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DIY hand sanitizer starts with the right type of alcohol.

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Grab some 99% isopropyl alcohol, which is the same type of solution used in beauty salons to keep tools germ-free. FYI: this recipe makes one cup of hand sanitizer, so feel free to double or triple it if you'd like to make a large batch at once. Pull out a mixing bowl and add 2/3 of a cup of isopropyl alcohol.

Amazon has a great option that's cheap and effective.

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This Eternal Isopropyl Alcohol for Beauty Tools contains 99% alcohol, which is exactly what you want when making DIY sanitizer. This salon-grade formula can also be used to sanitize earrings, surfaces, and cuts to prevent infection. The best part? This big bottle is only $8.99.

Next up, aloe vera.

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You've probably smeared aloe vera onto your arms, legs, and back to relieve a sunburn, which is exactly why this gel is a must-have addition to your hand sanitizer. Because the alcohol tends to be drying, aloe vera moisturizes and soothes the skin so your hands are free of germs without being dry and cracked. Add 1/3 of a cup of aloe vera gel to your mixing bowl.

All out of aloe vera? Here's an option that both looks and feels extremely cool.

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There's nothing quite like the feeling of rubbing aloe vera gel onto your skin. It's refreshing, instantly cooling, and leaves you smelling like you just got back from the beach. This Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel is non-sticky and fast-drying so there's no uncomfortable residue. And how cool is that aloe plant-shaped bottle?

Pull put your favorite essential oil for this next step.

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This is optional since it really just adds a pleasing aroma and doesn't actually help to kill germs or moisturize your skin. But since you'll probably be using this hand sanitizer multiple times throughout the day, it might as well smell good, right? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your bowl and mix it up until completely combined.

Tea tree oil is a great choice, since it smells fresh and even has detoxifying properties.

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This Pure Tea Tree Oil Natural Essential Oil is just $8.95 for one fluid ounce and can be used in a variety of ways. The therapeutic elements make it a popular choice for holistic healing centers, and the powerful solution has been shown to naturally heal cuts and bruises. If you're not into the smell of tea tree oil, lavender oil would be an excellent choice, especially since the scent helps to de-stress and promote relaxation.

Now that your DIY sanitizer is complete, it's time to put it into convenient squeeze bottles.

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You'll need a high-quality funnel to do this since trying to pour your solution into bottles without one is guaranteed to result in a giant mess. Place the funnel on the opening of your bottle and fill it until it hits just below the top.

Here's a funnel set that comes with everything you'll need to fill your bottles the mess-free way.

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This set of 6 Delove Small Plastic Funnels is something that everyone should have in their kitchen collection. It includes four funnels, a dropper, and a bristle brush for easy cleanup. The unique spiral shape prevents splashback and blockage, and the durable food-grade plastic construction keeps them looking and performing like new year after year.

And speaking of bottles, find some that can handle a good squeeze.

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Sure, you could use bottles with a pump dispenser, but if you're planning on taking your sanitizer with you on-the-go, bottles that you can squeeze into your hand are a must. The caps should also stay secure so you don't ruin everything in your bag with an unfortunate leaking incident.

These travel bottles are TSA-approved and come in a set of 30.

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Made from non-toxic silicone and a 100% leakproof design, these Plastic Bottles Small Squeeze Bottles Leak Proof Silicone Travel Size Containers are perfect for DIY-ers. The two-ounce size allows you to keep several bottles around your house and in different bags and purses, and the flip-top cap provides an airtight seal. Now go sanitize those germy hands, STAT!