DIY hand sanitizer spray is something that everyone needs to have on hand. This essential oil hand sanitizer spray is so simple to make and works just as well as the store-bought kind. It is made with ONLY 2 all-natural ingredients.
It was recently brought to my attention that I didn’t have my DIY hand sanitizer spray on my blog. I had to double (even triple) check because I didn’t believe the reader who told me this. It turns out she was right!
How did I miss this one? This spray is something I have been making and using for 7 years. It is probably one of my most used DIYs and one of the most important ones to be made naturally, more on that in a minute. I also have a DIY hand sanitizing gel recipe.
This homemade hand sanitizer spray should be in everyone’s purse, diaper bag, house, and car. Thankfully, it is very cost-effective and takes less than 2 minutes to whip up.
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DIY HAND SANITIZER SPRAY
For this recipe, you will only need two ingredients: essential oils and witch hazel. You can use rubbing alcohol instead of witch hazel.
Personally, I like to use witch hazel, especially when making this for the kids. It makes the spray much more gentle and still can help cleanse the hands. However, to make the spray even more effective you can add rubbing alcohol.
I use on guard essential oil for this spray, but if you don’t have that blend, you can still make this spray. On guard is a blend of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus. So if you don’t have the on guard blend, you can make your own using these essential oils.
WILD ORANGE
Like most citrus essential oils, wild orange has cleansing and purifying properties making it great for sanitizing and cleaning. Wild orange is a photosensitive oil and should not be used before going into direct sunlight.
Clove is a powerful essential oil that works great in this sanitizing spray and for cleaning. Clove is a hot oil and should not be used on the skin undiluted. If you ever get it on the skin, be sure to apply a carrier oil over top to soothe.
CINNAMON
Sharing many similar properties to clove, cinnamon essential oil also has immune-boosting properties when used aromatically or topically.
Rosemary acts as a natural preservative and adds shelf-life to this product when added in. This essential oil also has cleansing and purifying properties that can help to keep germs away.
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus is one of my favorite smelling essential oils and can work wonders for respiratory issues. Like all the oils listed above, it also has cleansing and purifying properties and can naturally boost the immune system.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH CONVENTIONAL SANITIZER SPRAY?
Conventional sanitizing sprays typically contain chemicals that can be harmful if swallowed and can dry out the skin if overused. Studies have also shown that overusing these sprays can kill the good bacteria on our hands that we need.
When we use conventional hand sanitizing spray, we are killing off the bacteria that we need to build a healthy immune system. Overusing these products may make our bodies become immune to them, and then when we need them, they may not be as effective.
Switching to a natural spray won’t do this. Your body can’t build up a resistance to essential oils, so this DIY hand sanitizer spray is a great option for keeping germs away.
WHEN SHOULD I USE THIS SANITIZER SPRAY?
This spray is great to use when you are out running errands, especially during the cooler months. You can also use this to sanitize before eating a meal or when the kids come in from outside. We make our own foaming hand soap and I like to add these same essential oils into that.
Having this spray in the diaper bag will come in handy, mama! Use it to spray down the diaper changing table, toys that fall on the ground, high chairs, tabletops at the restaurant, or in public restrooms.
I spray my cart handle with this spray and my kids’ hands after we get out of the cart.
HOW TO STORE ESSENTIAL OIL SPRAYS?
When using essential oils, it is best to use glass, metal, or HDPE, also known as plastics number 2. This is because essential oils can dissolve certain plastics overtime. Be sure to make your DIY in an essential oil safe spray bottle.
It is also important to use a dark-colored glass, like amber or blue, to preserve the oils even longer. Store out of direct sunlight.
HOW TO MAKE DIY HAND SANITIZER SPRAY?
INGREDIENTS
Witch hazel or Rubbing Alcohol (use one that is at least 60% alcohol)
DIY hand sanitizer spray is something that everyone needs to have on hand. This essential oil hand sanitizer spray is so simple to make and works just as well as the store-bought kind.
1 ½ouncesof rubbing alcohol or witch hazelsee post
15drops on guard essential oil
1tspfractionated coconut oiloptional
Instructions
Add the on guard and fractionated coconut oil (if using) to the spray bottle.
Top off with witch hazel and secure the spray nozzle.
Shake well before each use.
Spray on your hands and rub them together. Or spray on a surface and wipe clean.
Notes
If you do not have the on guard blend you can use 3 drops each of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and mention us on Instagram @ouroilyhouse
This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.
I am loving this recipe. I plan to do this as a wedding favors for guests. Just wondering if the essential oils has to be this blend? Can I change the combos. Ive partial to lavender, cherry blossom, & rose.
So first of all I just wanted to say that I adore your blog. I found it a few months ago and have been perusing it often! I’ve saved many recipes and have also made some in my efforts to reduce toxins for my family and I. Thank you so much for sharing with us. As far as this post and recipe…I might have missed something but it looks like you have two slightly different recipes for sanitizer spray on here? Right above the recipe card you have instructions to add the EOs to the spray bottle and then fill the rest with witch hazel. However, in the recipe card right below it, you have fractionated coconut oil as an ingredient (optional) and the instructions say to add all ingredients to the spray bottle and top with water. So which one should we do…add EOs and fill with witch Hazel, or add all ingredients and top with water?
Thanks!
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I make this for people at my workplace. I substituted 151 Everclear for the witch hazel when I ran out and not only does it make a great hand sanitizer, but everybody tells me it is an awesome bug spray repellent! A two in one product! Thank you!
Mary De La Cruz says
I am loving this recipe. I plan to do this as a wedding favors for guests. Just wondering if the essential oils has to be this blend? Can I change the combos. Ive partial to lavender, cherry blossom, & rose.
Thank you
Laura says
You could switch them if you prefer. The ones I suggested have cleansing & purifying properties.
Elizabeth Mead says
Is there a good substitute for eucalyptus that has similar cleansing/purifying properties? I’m allergic to eucalyptus.
I thought lemon, but don’t want to overdo the photosensitive/phytotoxic oils since it will likely be used outdoors at least sometimes.
Laura says
You could try tea tree and/or lemongrass
Jill says
So first of all I just wanted to say that I adore your blog. I found it a few months ago and have been perusing it often! I’ve saved many recipes and have also made some in my efforts to reduce toxins for my family and I. Thank you so much for sharing with us. As far as this post and recipe…I might have missed something but it looks like you have two slightly different recipes for sanitizer spray on here? Right above the recipe card you have instructions to add the EOs to the spray bottle and then fill the rest with witch hazel. However, in the recipe card right below it, you have fractionated coconut oil as an ingredient (optional) and the instructions say to add all ingredients to the spray bottle and top with water. So which one should we do…add EOs and fill with witch Hazel, or add all ingredients and top with water?
Thanks!
Laura says
Hi Jill, thanks for catching that! No water is needed in this recipe!
Julie says
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I make this for people at my workplace. I substituted 151 Everclear for the witch hazel when I ran out and not only does it make a great hand sanitizer, but everybody tells me it is an awesome bug spray repellent! A two in one product! Thank you!
Laura says
I am so glad you all like it! Thanks for sharing!