DIY HAND SANITIZER: Alcohol-free, non-drying using aloe and essential oils.

At the store yesterday, I couldn't find a single bottle of my favorite all natural hand santizer. The store clerk said they'd not only sold out of the one I wanted, but all varieties the day before. Apparently, the problem isn't just in my local area, but the whole country is facing a supply shortage when it comes to hand santizer. 

I don't know about you, but I rely on having a small bottle of natural hand sanitizer in my purse--especially right now with viruses like the coronavirus (COVID-19) going around. Of course, it's best to wash your hands, but when that's not possible, I like to be able to reach for a quick germ-killing solution.  

Today, I'm going to show you one of the easiest ways to make your own hand sanitizer using only aloe vera gel and essential oils. I happen to love this simple recipe because it's so easy to whip up a purse-size portion anytime I need it. 

Are you ready to get started? Then let's do this, girl friend! 

To get started, you'll first need to gather your supplies. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• All natural aloe vera gel
• 25-30 drops of your favorite anti-microbial and anti-viral essential oils (I use lemon, clove and lemongrass)
• (2) 0.5-oz glass bottles with spray pump 
• Small bowl and spoon
• Tablespoon for measuring
• Mini funnel that fits the neck of your bottle

STEP 1: This recipe will make two bottles of hand sanitizer by the time you're finished today. First, place 1 Tablespoon of aloe vera gel in the bowl. Add 25-30 drops of essential oils. 

Aloe vera is great for using in hand santizer as it has natural germ killing properties, as well as moisturizing benefits for your skin. 

Essential oils are naturally anti-microbial (they kill bacteria), and many are anti-viral (they kill virus germs). In my recipe, I've selected oils that are both anti-microbial and anti-viral. But I also chose this blend of oils because I love the way it smells! (This is one of the things I love best about making my own hand santizer: I get to control how it smells. I'm really not fond of the way most commercial versions smell). 

My recipe uses the following essential oils:

• 15 drops Lemon 
• 10 drops Clove 
• 5 drops Lemongrass

STEP 2: Stir the aloe and oils together until blended. (What more is there to say)?

STEP 3: Place the funnel into the neck of the first bottle. Using the spoon or a rubber spatula, carefully scrape half of the mixture into the funnel, a little at a time. With both hands, gently tap the bottle on the counter, while being careful to hold the funnel in place. Do this until the funnel has emptied into the bottle. Now, repeat this process, using the remaining half of the mixture and placing it in the second bottle.

STEP 4: Use the tablespoon to add only enough water to top off the contents in each bottle. Don't fill past the neck of the bottle, or there won't be enough room when you place the pump sprayer in place. Secure the sprayer in place for each bottle, then shake the bottles until the water and aloe mixture is well combined. 

To Use: Remove the cap from one of the bottles and pump the sprayer several times until the hand sanitizer begins to spray (or squirt) out. Place a small amount in the palms of your hands. It should be a creamy, gel-like texture. Rub your hands together until dry. 

TIP: I've made this several times in these little perfume spray bottles. It's always worked well, but if you have trouble getting the mixture to spray, try removing a bit of the mixture and adding a bit more water. 

Let's Chat: Do you have a favorite hand sanitizer recipe? What essential oil scents do you like to use? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Until next time...

Joy--Fearless Farm Girl,

"Farm girl: it's a verb, because it's what you do."

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