How to Create Homemade Liquid Hand Wash: Best Formulas Explained

If you're looking to create your own liquid hand wash at home, you've likely come across the myriad of DIY recipes that promise a clean, natural, and cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. While it is not practical to make a true liquid hand wash from scratch with synthetic detergents, there are a few natural alternatives and easy-to-make formulas that can provide a satisfactory substitute.

Understanding the Basics of Liquid Hand Wash

Standard liquid hand wash is typically made with synthetic detergents, preservatives, and antimicrobial agents. These ingredients are carefully formulated to provide effective cleaning while ensuring the product remains stable and safe for use. However, there is a way to craft a homemade version using plant-based alternatives, which offer a gentler and more eco-friendly option.

DIY Liquid Hand Wash Formula

This recipe is a simple and effective way to create a basic liquid hand wash that is both biodegradable and easy to make. This formula utilizes natural ingredients that are readily available:

Ingredients

Heatproof mixing bowl Spoon Glass storage bottle with pump attachment or repurpose an old plastic bottle of commercial dishwashing liquid Funnel 300ml (1 cup) boiling water 1 tablespoon soda crystals (washing soda) 100ml (1 cup) liquid castile soap 1 teaspoon glycerine 2 drops basil essential oil 4 drops grapefruit essential oil 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Method

Pour the boiling water into the mixing bowl. Add the soda crystals and stir until they have dissolved. Pour in the liquid castile soap and stir to combine. Add the glycerine, stir to combine, then add the essential oils and stir to combine. Attach the funnel to the top of the glass/plastic bottle. Pour the mixture through the funnel into the bottle. Attach the pump and screw to tighten. Label the bottle.

Tips:

As it cools, the mixture will solidify into a thick gel. If it becomes too thick, simply add a small amount of hot water and stir to combine.

Why It's Hard to Make a True Liquid Hand Wash at Home

While creating a homemade liquid hand wash using natural ingredients can be an enjoyable and rewarding DIY project, it's important to understand the limitations. True liquid hand washes contain a blend of synthetic detergents, preservatives, and other chemicals that are not easily replicable in a home setting. Chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are commonly used to create the lathering effect and ensure the product stays effective over time.

Alternative Solutions

If you're determined to avoid synthetic chemicals but still want a lathering, soaping liquid hand wash, consider dissolving a bar of your favorite soap in water:

Alternative Method

Shred a bar of your favorite soap if you find it difficult to dissolve. Shred the soap into small pieces and boil them in water. Let it simmer until the soap is completely dissolved. Filtrate the solution to remove any solid particles. Preserve and store the solution properly to prevent mold growth.

While this method is less conventional and can be challenging, it’s a viable option if you're willing to put in the effort.

Conclusion

While there is no practical way to make a true liquid hand wash at home with the same synthetic ingredients used in commercial products, you can create effective and natural alternatives using natural soaps and other plant-based ingredients. Always prioritize safety and stability in your DIY projects, especially when dealing with personal care products. Enjoy making your own homemade liquid hand wash, and remember the importance of using quality, natural ingredients whenever possible!