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.
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.
About Laura
Welcome to Our Oily House, I’m so glad you’re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.
I use Young Living’s hand sanitizer which I love but sometimes you really need a spray. I don’t know why I never thought of making some like this. I’ll definitely be making a few of these! Thank you for sharing!
I’m an adoptive mom to an amazing boy whose immune system is not good at all. In fact, I’m holding him as I post this because he is incredibly sick. One of his diagnoses is epilepsy so I cannot use rosemary or eucalyptus. Could you suggest some other oils for him? Thanks in advance. BTW… love your blog!
You can add in lavender, thyme, or tea tree oils instead of those two. All of those have antibacterial properties, as long as the ones I used in the spray. I am so glad you are enjoying my blog! Thank you!
This couldn’t come at a more perfect time! I need to make some this weekend! Thanks!
You’re welcome!
I just made this yesterday! I’ve been spraying on our hands, feet, and surfaces. Love it! Thank you!
YAY I am so glad you like it!
This is definitely a needed tutorial right now during cold and flu season!
It really does come in handy this time of year!
I use Young Living’s hand sanitizer which I love but sometimes you really need a spray. I don’t know why I never thought of making some like this. I’ll definitely be making a few of these! Thank you for sharing!
You can make the same recipe with thieves! It is very similar to doTERRA’s onguard.
So easy! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
Hi Laura,
I’m an adoptive mom to an amazing boy whose immune system is not good at all. In fact, I’m holding him as I post this because he is incredibly sick. One of his diagnoses is epilepsy so I cannot use rosemary or eucalyptus. Could you suggest some other oils for him? Thanks in advance. BTW… love your blog!
You can add in lavender, thyme, or tea tree oils instead of those two. All of those have antibacterial properties, as long as the ones I used in the spray. I am so glad you are enjoying my blog! Thank you!
I love the idea of having better choices in making diy items.Thank you sandie
You’re welcome!