How to Make a Natural Sanitizer at Home without Chemicals

With the global rise in health consciousness and environmental awareness, many are seeking alternatives to traditional chemical-based sanitizers. Fortunately, there are natural and eco-friendly methods to create effective sanitizers at home using everyday items found in your kitchen or local store. This article explores two methods to create a natural sanitizer: one using simple household items, and another using ingredients from the Neem tree and Aloe vera.

Method 1: Homemade Natural Sanitizer from Everyday Ingredients

For those looking for a straightforward and effective solution, you can make a simple sanitizer using a mixture of alcohol, Aloe vera gel, and essential oils (optional).

Ingredients: 100% Aloe vera gel (purchased from a store) Rubbing alcohol (at least 62%) Essential oils (optional) A small plastic bottle or jar

To make the sanitizer:

Fill about half of a small bottle or jar with 100% Aloe vera gel. Gradually add rubbing alcohol, a little at a time, until the mixture is not too thick or runny but still easy to use. Shake the bottle or jar well to mix the ingredients evenly. Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance, if desired.

This simple yet effective sanitizer does not require fancy equipment and can be easily prepared at home. As an optional bonus, using Aloe vera can help soothe skin irritation that might occur from repeated use of some commercial sanitizers.

Method 2: Neem and Aloe Vera-based Natural Sanitizer

Another viable option is to harness the natural properties of Neem leaves and Aloe vera to create a biodegradable and effective sanitizer. Neem has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent ingredient for natural sanitization.

To make this sanitizer:

Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf Neem leaves Neem fruit and branches Lemon juice Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) Paraffine oil or glycerine A small bottle or container

Instructions:

Pick fresh Aloe vera leaves, gently juicing the gel with a knife to extract the thick gel. Collect Neem leaves and gently crush them to release their oils. Extract juice from the Neem fruit and branches. Add lemon juice and alum, which act as a preservative and antiseptic. Blend the extracted juices and neem components with alcohol and paraffine oil or glycerine. Transfer the mixture into a small bottle or container and shake well to mix.

This combination creates a natural sanitizer that is both environmentally friendly and effective against common bacteria and fungi.

Acknowledging Traditional Sanitizing Practices

In certain regions, traditional practices remain highly effective and culturally significant. For instance, in some assisted living facilities, it is recommended to wash hands with hot water and soap for the duration it takes to sing "Happy Birthday to You" twice. This method ensures thorough cleansing without the need for commercial sanitizers.

There are also DIY methods available on YouTube, such as using 91% isopropyl alcohol, Aloe vera gel, and essential oils. However, these methods can vary in effectiveness and safety, so caution is advised.

Conclusion

While chemical-based sanitizers have their place, there are viable alternatives that prioritize natural ingredients and biodegradability. Whether you choose to use Neem and Aloe vera or opt for a simple mixture of Aloe vera gel and alcohol, these home-made sanitizers offer a sustainable and effective solution. By adopting these practices, you can contribute to a healthier environment and reduce reliance on potentially harmful chemicals.