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!

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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.

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.

Other Fun DIY Projects

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