100 Days of Real Food

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
    • Welcome
    • Original 100 Day Pledge
    • 100 Day Budget Pledge
    • FAQs
  • My Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Our Shop
    • Meal Ideas & Resources
    • Mini-Pledge Progam
    • School Lunch Packing Chart
    • Favorite Amazon Buys
  • Blog
    • What Is Real Food?
    • How to Start
      • Real Food Tips
      • Eating Out and Travel
      • Food Shopping
      • How to Cook
      • Kitchen and Home
    • School Lunches
    • Snacks
    • Kids
      • Picky Eaters
      • Fun Stuff
  • Meal Plans
    • Real Food Meal Plans
    • School Lunch Plans
    • Free Weekly Dinner Plans
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
    • Welcome
    • Original 100 Day Pledge
    • 100 Day Budget Pledge
    • FAQs
  • My Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Our Shop
    • Meal Ideas & Resources
    • Mini-Pledge Progam
    • School Lunch Packing Chart
    • Favorite Amazon Buys
  • Blog
    • What Is Real Food?
    • How to Start
      • Real Food Tips
      • Eating Out and Travel
      • Food Shopping
      • How to Cook
      • Kitchen and Home
    • School Lunches
    • Snacks
    • Kids
      • Picky Eaters
      • Fun Stuff
  • Meal Plans
    • Real Food Meal Plans
    • School Lunch Plans
    • Free Weekly Dinner Plans
×
Home » What Is Real Food? » Healthy Eating

DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer and Counter Wipes

By blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page or her blog!


The excitement of cooler weather is here, but there's also something else among us—unwelcome germs that like to rear their ugly heads! I have some germaphobe tendencies, especially this time of year. I like to keep the little buggers at bay but without the use of unwanted chemicals found in some hand sanitizers.

So I'm happy today to share a couple of germ fighter recipes from our friend and sponsor, Plant Therapy. Think of them as home remedies for staying sick-free (or trying to!) this season.

DIY Homemade Counter Wipes on 100 Days of #RealFood

Want to Save this Recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!

Save Recipe

About Plant Therapy

Plant Therapy is a family-owned and family-run essential oils company who we've enjoyed partnering with over the last few years. They work with essential oils expert Robert Tisserand and several analytical laboratories to create their essential oil formulas. All of this has led them to develop their KidSafe oils, which are, you guessed it, safe for kids (over the age of 2)!

What you'll notice about Plant Therapy is how good their prices are. Owners Chris and Amanda Jones aim to provide their products at affordable prices with the highest quality available so everyone can take advantage of the benefits. They offer great information as well, including the DIY remedies below.

Homemade Counter Wipes

Supplies

  • 2 tablespoons castile soap
  • Essential oils of your choice
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1.9 quart airtight container (like this Oxo Round Canister)
  • 1 roll select-a-size paper towels

Instructions

  1. Cut a roll of paper towels in half using an electric knife or serrated bread knife.
  2. Place one of the paper towel roll halves into the container. If you have to smash it a bit to fit, that is okay. Once wet, you will take out the core.
  3. In a measuring cup, combine the warm water, castile soap, and 30-40 drops of essential oils (see recipes below).
  4. Pour the mixture over the paper towels and let soak.
  5. Once soaked, you can easily remove the center tube.
  6. Seal with a lid and use as you would any other counter wipes.

Recipe Ideas

  • Fresh Kitchen: 15 drops each lavender and lemon
  • Disinfecting: 15 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon, and 5 drops rosemary
  • Fresh & Fruity: 20 drops sweet orange, 10 drops grapefruit, and 5 drops of vanilla
  • Or use one of Plant Therapy's germ synergies (Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter)

Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Who needs hand sanitizer that is full of ethyl alcohol and oftentimes even food dyes? Not to mention that they dry out your hands and are also flammable. No thanks! Here's how to easily make your own version.

Supplies

  • 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces aloe gel (Plant Therapy offers plain and lavender aloe jelly)
  • The following essential oils: Germ Destroyer (kid safe version), Germ Fighter (adult version), or Palmarosa & Fir Needle

Instructions

  1. Pour aloe gel into a flip-top bottle.
  2. Add 10 drops Palmarosa and 8 drops Fir Needle or 18 drops of Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter
  3. Shake well to incorporate oils.
  4. Use a dime-size squirt of gel as needed on your hands and rub in.

You or your child can carry this gel with you to work or school. It's a perfect alternative to traditional hand sanitizer. Not only will you support your immune function, but you will fight off the germs that many of us pick up every day. Keep your family healthy and happy using a homemade hand sanitizer!

Caught Something Anyway?

If sickness or sniffles are already in your home, Plant Therapy offers a DIY sore throat solution here and solutions for coughs and congestion. They all utilize essential oils to combat the ailment at hand. Obviously, the steam solution should be used with caution for children.

Plant Therapy Giveaway on 100 Days of #RealFood

Other Fun DIY Projects

  • How to Make Homemade Natural Bath Bombs
  • How to Make Homemade Natural Candles
  • How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Homemade Natural Counter Wipes

Help keep the germs at bay inside your house by making your own natural counter wipes with essential oils.
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Print Recipe
Servings: 1 roll

Equipment

  • Airtight container
  • Measuring cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 roll select-a-size paper towels
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons Castile soap
  • 40 drops essential oil your favorite combination of oils

Instructions
 

  • Cut a roll of paper towels in half using an electric knife or serrated bread knife.
  • Place one of the paper towel roll halves into the container. If you have to smash it a bit to fit, that is okay. Once wet, you will take out the core.
  • In a measuring cup, combine the warm water, castile soap, and 30-40 drops of essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture over the paper towels and let soak.
  • Once soaked, you can easily remove the center tube.
  • Seal with a lid and use as you would any other counter wipes.

Notes

Essential Oil Recipe Ideas

  • Fresh Kitchen: 15 drops each lavender and lemon
  • Disinfecting: 15 drops tea tree, 10 drops lemon, and 5 drops rosemary
  • Fresh & Fruity: 20 drops sweet orange, 10 drops grapefruit, and 5 drops of vanilla
  • Or use one of Plant Therapy’s germ synergies (Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter)
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Homemade Hand Sanititzer

This DIY hand sanitizer is free of ethyl alcohol, food dyes, and won't dry our hands out. See how easy it is to make your own at home with essential oils.
Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!

Equipment

  • Flip-top bottle

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons aloe gel (or 2 ounces, Plant Therapy offers plain and lavender aloe jelly)
  • 10 drops Palmarosa essential oil
  • 8 drops Fir Needle essential oil
  • 18 drops Germ Destroyer (or Germ Fighter)

Instructions
 

  • Pour aloe gel into a flip-top bottle.
  • Add 10 drops Palmarosa and 8 drops Fir Needle or 18 drops of Germ Destroyer or Germ Fighter.
  • Shake well to incorporate oils.
  • Use a dime-size squirt of gel as needed on your hands and rub in.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

More Healthy Eating

  • Steak with veggies.
    Steak with Veggies
  • Spaghetti squash with meat sauce.
    Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
  • Healthy breakfast bowls.
    Healthy Breakfast Bowls
  • Stuffed acorn squash.
    Stuffed Acorn Squash
1.3K shares

About Kiran Dodeja Smith

Kiran Dodeja Smith is the mom of 4 kids and has been a part of the 100 Days team for 6 years. When she’s not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found running (and sometimes more likely running her kids around) and posting on her own blog, EasyRealFood.com.

Comments

  1. wendy says

    May 03, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I'm interested in the Germ synergy and the zit buster for my teen age son

    Reply
  2. Savannah @ The Budget Prepper says

    December 16, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I came across this post a few days ago and decided last night to try it....thank you! It worked perfectly! So simple and effective, and nice to know what I'm using to clean :)

    Reply
  3. Heather p. says

    December 16, 2015 at 8:55 am

    Newsletter

    Reply
  4. Heather p. says

    December 16, 2015 at 8:55 am

    The germ fighter as I too am a little germaphobe.

    Reply
  5. Deborah Chapman says

    December 04, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    I am new with my Website Lisa and I am concerned about the foods I eat and buying more organic products.. I am also am interested in not using products that are toxic to my mind and body..

    Reply
  6. Deborah Chapman says

    December 04, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    Beautiful family photos thanks for sharing. Loved watching you and food babe on periscope. Your kitchen is fabulous. I also live in NY Just across the bridge in Brooklyn Bedford Stuyvesant section. You are correct I am looking for a great camera to take better food pictures and to teach myself how to learn to become a better picture taker but it starts with a better and real camera. I will check out the plant therapy..

    Reply
  7. Jessica Kelly says

    December 02, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    Newsletter

    Reply
  8. Jessica Kelly says

    December 02, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    I love EO's! I would use the germ fighter most. I love chemical free styles of cleaning and the way these oils smell!!!

    Reply
  9. Lisa D says

    December 02, 2015 at 9:18 am

    Newsletter

    Reply
  10. Lisa D says

    December 02, 2015 at 9:15 am

    I would definitely be interested in trying the Energy Synergy! This busy mom needs a boost!

    Reply
  11. Bethany says

    December 02, 2015 at 8:16 am

    I want to try all the kid safe oils or diffuser, so many choices

    Reply
  12. Molly says

    December 01, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Immune aid

    Reply
  13. Sara A says

    December 01, 2015 at 9:22 am

    I'd love to try the germ destroyer.

    Reply
  14. Tonya L says

    December 01, 2015 at 2:40 am

    Newsletter

    Reply
  15. Tonya L says

    December 01, 2015 at 2:39 am

    The aloe gellies

    Reply
  16. Kate L. says

    November 30, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    newsletter

    Reply
  17. Kate says

    November 30, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    Germ Fighter

    Reply
  18. Ruth P. says

    November 30, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    newsletter

    Reply
  19. Ruth P. says

    November 30, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    I'd love to try the Energy synergy!

    Reply
  20. Gail says

    November 30, 2015 at 11:29 am

    newsletter

    Reply
  21. Gail says

    November 30, 2015 at 11:28 am

    I would love to try the Sniffle Stopper for my daughter who always seems to have a cold.

    Reply
  22. Charlene says

    November 30, 2015 at 11:04 am

    newsletter

    Reply
  23. Charlene says

    November 30, 2015 at 11:01 am

    I am very interested in trying the adult wellness set.

    Reply
  24. Lisa says

    November 30, 2015 at 10:12 am

    I would love to try the Blues Buster. We get so sad in the winter. Too much time indoors and not enough sunlight!

    Reply
  25. Erin says

    November 30, 2015 at 8:38 am

    Would love to try Germ Destroyer and make this handy DIY hand sanitizer!

    Reply
  26. Bev M says

    November 29, 2015 at 11:57 pm

    Newsletter

    Reply
  27. Bev M says

    November 29, 2015 at 11:55 pm

    I would love to try the Energy synergy, it would sure be helpful some days!

    Reply
  28. jane adkins says

    November 29, 2015 at 11:54 pm

    I would love the adult wellness set. I take several prescription medicines, and would love to try an alternative if possible.

    Reply
  29. Brandi G says

    November 29, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    Newsletter

    Reply
  30. Brandi G says

    November 29, 2015 at 11:22 pm

    I would love to try the adult wellness set!!

    Reply
  31. barbie says

    November 29, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Newsletter

    Reply
  32. barbie says

    November 29, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    The Plant Therapy Essential Oils are of great interest to me. Sinus infections are a battle!

    Reply
  33. Jessica says

    November 29, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Newsletter

    Reply
  34. Jessica says

    November 29, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    I would LOVE any of the holiday synergies they have....candy cane or sugar cookie sound great! I would also be very interested in the kids immune boom or germ destroyer. With four kids, it is a nightmare when someone gets sick! Thanks for sharing this company...I can't wait to try them out!

    Reply
  35. Danielle says

    November 29, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    The Christmas Tree would be amazing this time of year

    Reply
  36. Ellen says

    November 29, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    newsletter

    Reply
  37. Ellen says

    November 29, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    Id love to try the kidsafe collection

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!


Meet Lisa! Lisa is a best-selling cookbook author, wife, mother, and passionate home cook. Lisa began blogging in 2010 and has created a community of millions of people who share her love of healthy living, real food ingredients, and family recipes.

Learn More

Popular

  • Sausage stir fry.
    Sausage Stir Fry
  • Sausage broccoli pasta.
    Sausage Broccoli Pasta
  • Chicken sausage pasta.
    Chicken Sausage Pasta
  • Sausage and potatoes.
    Sausage and Potatoes

Seasonal

  • Spaghetti squash boats.
    Spaghetti Squash Boats
  • How to cook spaghetti squash.
    How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
  • Air fryer popcorn chicken.
    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
  • Healthy blueberry pancakes.
    Healthy Blueberry Pancakes

Footer

↑ back to top

Browse

  • Cookbooks
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes
  • Favorite Products
  • Free Downloads

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Blog

  • About
  • Comment Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner With Us
  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 100 Days of Real Food