make your own hand sanitizer

[Pumpkincat]

i would like to learn how to make my own foaming, alcohol free hand sanitizer. I always use it when i am out so that i do not bring sick germs home. Does anyone know how to make this? Perhaps someone has another recipe that is not foaming or alcohol free, what are your experiences?

[Ruthla]

I'm not particularly worried about "sick germs" that I pick up when I'm out and about. That's what my immune system is for. Honestly, I'm far more scared of chemicals than I am about germs. Even a "natural" recipe for hand sanitizer would need to contain a lot of alcohol.

I wash my hands with soap and water (or just water if there's no soap available) after using a public restroom. I wash my hands before eating. I'll pack wet wipes (or damp washcloths in a plastic bag) if I'm planning a picnic and may not have a sink available before eating.

[marimara]

Oh, I believe in sick germs , I was thinking of making a small spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, essential oils, and witch hazel (which is my deodorant, btw) and keeping it in the car or my bag. I haven't yet figured out to make it foam though....

some other thought just popped in, maybe tea tree oil mixture of something to make it alcohol free. Maybe just unscented lotion w/tea tree oil in it?

[mk12]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

I'm not particularly worried about "sick germs" that I pick up when I'm out and about. That's what my immune system is for. Honestly, I'm far more scared of chemicals than I am about germs. Even a "natural" recipe for hand sanitizer would need to contain a lot of alcohol.

I wash my hands with soap and water (or just water if there's no soap available) after using a public restroom. I wash my hands before eating.

I totally agree Ruthla. I'm more worried about all the antibiotics and "sanitizing" chemicals ending up in the water supply than I am about any "germs". I gave up getting sick over ten years ago, so I don't worry about such things.

I wouldn't use anything other than plain soap and water either. Anti-bacterial soaps and sanitizers create Super-bugs.

[prettypixels]

I don't think that alcohol based sanitizers are what is creating the "superbugs," I think that is more from triclosan based products. So if you are using purell or something like that, I don't personally see a problem. That said, there are some natural variations, they are just more expensive. I bet you could google a recipe. I just use purell. I believe in my immune system too but I don't get enough rest, and I have no desire to pick up every bug on the playground.

[DaughterOfKali]

I know some moms who carry around a spray bottle with water, tea tree oil and rosemary oil in it.

[sunnysandiegan]

I also agree with Ruthla. I've never been a fan of "hand sanitizers". I use soap and water when I return home and as often as practical before eating wherever I am.

[Pumpkincat]

I think i am going to try the tea tree oil with rosemary in a spray bottle. It sounds like it may do the trick. I do also believe in letting my immune system work, but I too, do not get enough sleep and am putting out a lot of physical energy everyday. Also, one of my children almost died on me 4 times because of upper respitory tract infections, so I do my best to keep my hands clean and theirs too. I do believe in hand washing, yes, do not get my wrong, but that is not always practical. I have a baby and four other children, so i cannot always get to a sink before i have to stick my fingers in his mouth or something. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, that is for sure. I like your ideas, and thank you.

[nycmom18]

i use aloe vera gel with essential oil, "guardian", or you could use essential oil lavender as it is anti-viral and bacterial.

2 oz. aloe vera gel with 10 drops or so of oil

it moisturizes and protects!

[kittygrrl523]

To get it to foam you could try buying one of those bottles of foaming hand soap and then just pour the soap out and put in your solution...

I know it makes Dr. Bronners soap foam up really nicely so maybe it's worth a shot.

[Pumpkincat]

Originally Posted by kittygrrl523

To get it to foam you could try buying one of those bottles of foaming hand soap and then just pour the soap out and put in your solution...

I know it makes Dr. Bronners soap foam up really nicely so maybe it's worth a shot.

Hell yeah! Why didn't I think of that before? I am so going to do that! Thanks Kitty!

[mum5]

Just taking notes!