
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind, I am not a medical professional. I am not making any claims regarding the effectiveness of these recipes, the ingredients, or the safety of the recipes. I am simply passing along the recipes that I’ve found useful for me and my family. Always do what’s best for your family, and your health. And, please, for the love of GOD, do not use these recipes as a substitute for washing your hands, your family’s hands, and your children’s hands constantly! Follow the CDC’s recommendations & your doctor’s recommendations. We’re all in this together.
Jump to RecipeOkay, so this is being written on the fly today, March 12, 2020 for all you moms out there freaked out about the Novel Coronavirus. If you went searching for hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, or Lysol today (like ME) and found bare shelves, then this post is for you! You can make DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe (both gel & spray form) with ingredients you probably have in your medicine cabinet already!
This is exactly what we’re having to use at my house because of the lack of supply of regular sanitizer.
The Coronavirus has cleaned out the stores and there is NO Hand Sanitizer to be found anywhere, but you can make your own quick and easy DIY hand sanitizer (SO DON’T PANIC!)!

Do’s & Don’ts of DIY Hand Sanitizer
DO get a rubbing alcohol that is NO less than 60% isopropyl alcohol.
DO use the sanitizer over your WHOLE hands! Don’t skimp on this part! You’ve got to cover them completely for it to be effective.
DO make sure your hands are DRY (and clean) before you apply! Or, it won’t be as effective.
DO NOT make this hand sanitizer recipe with vodka….or other liquor. Those are only at around 40% anyway. Save it for the martinis mamas!
DO NOT stop washing your hands regularly with soap and water because the CDC still says it’s even more effective than any hand sanitizer!
**I make this hand sanitizer recipe with essential oils. This is not necessary, but I definitely recommend for the smell and health benefits essential oils bring to every situation!

How To Make DIY Hand Sanitizer GEL
This will require only a few ingredients, and (fingers crossed) you’ll be able to get your hands on it faster than the hand sanitizer (which last I checked can’t be bought on Amazon till end of April!).
DIY hand sanitizer recipes floating about all contain the same ingredients. The MAIN thing you need to make sure of is that your ALCOHOL has a high enough % to it (at least 60%).
DIY Gel Hand Sanitizer Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Aloe Vera Gel
- ⅔ cup Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol 60% – 90%
- 10-20 drops Essential Oils Thieves, oregano, lavender, or citrus
- 3 oz. Travel Sized containers
Instructions
- Mix aloe vera gel and alcohol together in a mixing bowl with a whisk.
- Add in your essential oils. Remember to be sure that you do not have any reactions to your chosen oils prior to use.
- Using funnel, pour mixture into travel sized containers for easy use.
Notes
- Make sure that the alcohol is 60% – 90% rubbing alcohol as indicated by the CDC guidelines.
- Remember, nothing is ever a substitute for washing your hands!
I use a Thieves blend (for wellness), as well as oregano (for antibacterial properties), lavender and orange. But, which ever oil you use, just make sure it won’t aggravate your skin.

How To Make DIY Hand Sanitizer SPRAY
The gel recipe above uses rubbing alcohol and ALOE. This next hand sanitizer recipe recipe with alcohol and essential oils eliminates the aloe. This keeps it in a sprayable form.
I like to use EVERYONE hand sanitizer that comes in a spray bottle. So, I’m using this recipe to refill it when it’s empty….like tomorrow!
I’ve read a variety of recipes that use just witch hazel instead of rubbing alcohol, but that’s a little granola for my blood right now. I’m not up for risking it. I’m sticking with the 90% isopropyl alcohol.

DIY Spray Hand Sanitizer Recipe
Equipment
- Travel Sized Spray Bottle
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol 60% – 90%
- 10-20 drops Essential Oils Thieves, Lavender, any citrus
- 3 oz. Travel Sized Spray Bottle
Instructions
- Pour alcohol into a bowl. Mix in essential oils.
- Using funnel, pour mixture into your spray bottles. Use liberally!
Notes
- Always use the CDC recommended Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol (60%-90%)
- Remember, nothing is a substitute for hand washing!
Wash Your Hands!
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind, I am not a medical professional. I am not making any claims regarding the effectiveness of these recipes, the ingredients, or the safety of the recipes. I am simply passing along the recipes that I’ve found useful for me and my family. Always do what’s best for your family, and your health. And, please, for the love of GOD, do not use these recipes as a substitute for washing your hands, your family’s hands, and your children’s hands constantly! We’re all in this together.
If you’re into the natural remedies and wellness, then check out this post in my Health section. If you’re a lover of all things Sprout & Whole Foods, then you’re gonna dig it!
Or, if you’re just feeling helpless like the rest of us and want to start doing some good preventative prep work for your family’s wellbeing then you should definitely check it out!
BE WELL.
P.S. Are you a SAHM feeling burned out & unhappy? Did you know that setting 3 EASY Weekly Goals can bring joy back to your daily mom life? Pick up my FREE SAHM Weekly Schedule Cheat Sheet & see how easy it can be!
Want to remember this post? Save DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe for Coronavirus (COVID-19) to your favorite Pinterest Board!
