To be comparable to store-bought products like Purell or Germ-X in terms of effectiveness, the final product needs to be at least 65% alcohol. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Using 91% isopropyl alcohol will place your final product within that range. If you can find 99% isopropyl alcohol, choose that. It’s not required, but it will increase the germ-killing effectiveness of your final product. Aloe vera gel also comes in a variety of purity options. You’ll want the purest that you can find – simply check out the label to get the purity information. [2] X Research source This doesn’t alter the effectiveness of the product, but using the purest you can find will ensure that your final mixture contains the least amount of additives and additional chemicals.

If you’d prefer not to mix by hand in a bowl, you can use your food processor instead.

The mixture will keep for 6 months or more. Store it away from direct sunlight to get the longest shelf life possible. [3] X Research source Put the mixture in smaller bottles that can easily fit into a purse, backpack, or briefcase for use on the go. If you purchase any commercial sanitizers, save the bottles so that you can upcycle them later, since those are perfect for this. You can usually purchase new empty bottles of this size at the grocery store. Check the aisle with travel-size personal care items.

Using about a palm-sized amount of the sanitizer, rub your hands briskly together for 20 to 30 seconds, taking care to get underneath your fingernails, between your fingers, the back of your hands and your wrists. Allow the sanitizer to dry completely, without wiping your hands off or rinsing them with water. Once the sanitizer dries completely, the process is complete. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Cinnamon essential oil is said to reduce drowsiness and enhance concentration. Lavender essential oil may induce relaxation and feelings of calmness. Rosemary essential oil has been thought to boost information retention, alertness, and memory. Lemon essential oil has an uplifting scent that may help ease sadness while also boosting energy. Peppermint essential oil is an invigorating scent that some people find can help soothe frazzled nerves and improve mental clarity. [6] X Research source

Never apply an essential oil directly to the skin without diluting it first. Because they are so concentrated, some of them can be skin irritants. [8] X Research source When working with essential oils, use the highest grade products that you can find. Check the label for terms like “pure grade”, “aromatherapy grade”, “certified organic” and “therapeutic grade” when purchasing.

Always double-check the alcohol content before you buy a bottle of grain alcohol since many commercial brands are less than 190-proof. Remember you may dilute the strength of the alcohol with other ingredients, so it will not maintain 95% alcohol content. The essential oils you choose are completely up to you. Lavender, lemon, peppermint, geranium, cinnamon, tea tree, and rosemary are common choices. [10] X Research source You can use more than one if you like, but the total amount of essential oil you use should not exceed 10 drops. Aloe vera gel also comes in a variety of purity options. You’ll want the purest that you can find – simply check out the label to get the purity information. [11] X Research source

You can adjust the amount of the products that you’re using if you’d like, but keep the grain alcohol at a 2-to-1 ratio with the gel to ensure it’s strong enough. If you’d prefer not to mix by hand in a bowl, you can use your food processor instead.

Use the mixture within one month. Store it out of direct sunlight. [12] X Research source