How to make hand sanitizer: create your own Purell substitute at home

If you’ve been watching the news you’re probably worried about Coronavirus, and that means you’re probably also seeing the run on masks, bottled water, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. But don’t worry. I can help you with at least one of those things… Here’s how to make your own hand sanitizer or Purell alternative if your local stores are out of stock.

2-ingredient Purell substitute

By the way, I’m no doctor or health expert, but the ones I’ve been reading that work at places like the CDC or WHO still say that a good old fashioned thorough handwashing is the best defense against any virus, whether that’s the common cold, flu or coronavirus. And try to avoid touching your face, nose, eyes etc.

How to make hand sanitizer: Create your own Purell substitute at home

As long as its 60% alcohol, the CDC says hand sanitizer is a good option for preventing the spread of illness, particularly if you’re not in a spot where you can lather up.

Of course hand sanitizers may not work so well when hands are visibly dirty, and do not eliminate 100% of germs.

Here’s how to make hand sanitizer at home:

You only need a few ingredients and you can find them easily at the drug or grocery store, or you can get them from Amazon.
These will likely be more available than Purell or branded sanitizer. Though maybe not…

2-ingredient hand sanitizer Purell alternative

You’ll be using a 2:1 ratio of alcohol to aloe gel. This should give you a 60% alcohol content which the CDC says is enough. You can make more or less sanitizer but keep the same proportions. Don’t use any other types of alcohol (e.g., methanol, butanol), since they are toxic. Also, using a lower alcohol liquid will make it less effective.

• 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (also called isopropyl alcohol)
• 1/3 cup 100% pure aloe vera gel (make sure it’s pure)
• If you want you can add 10-12 drops essential oil for smell

How to make hand sanitizer in one step with two ingredients

Step 1: Mix rubbing alcohol, aloe gel and essential oils in a bowl.
Keep pure alcohol away from your skin.

By the way, certain essential oils have antimicrobial properties. Try using thyme or clove oil for a nice scent and bonus properties. If you are using antimicrobial oils like these, only use about 6-8 drops, since these oils are very powerful and might irritate skin.

That’s literally it. Pour it into a jar, funnel it into an old hand sanitizer bottle, or a squeeze bottle, or order that off Amazon too.

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