DIY Recipes for Antibacterial Sprays, Gels and Wipes

Over the past few weeks, we have seen shortages of hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and even isopropyl alcohol across the nation's pharmacies and supermarkets. 

The World Health Organisation says washing hands with soap and water is the best way to effectively clean your hands as the process kills germs and removes them from your skin (link here), but when that's not an option, the agency recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and wipes with at least 70% alcohol.

The ingredients for WHO-approved hand sanitiser and wipes contain ingredients that may be harder to find (such as glycerin), so we have adapted it with some modified recipes that you can easily make at home and bottle up yourself for using in everyday activities.

DIY Antibacterial Surface Spray

Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol of at least 70% alcohol concentration
- 1/3 cup witch hazel
- Add 8-10 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil

Method: Mix well and fill spray dispenser of choice.

 

DIY Antibacterial Hand Gel

Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol of at least 70% alcohol concentration
- 1/3 cup aloe vera
- Add 8-10 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil

Method: Mix well and fill dispenser of choice.

 

DIY Disinfectant Wipes

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol of at least 70% alcohol concentration 
- 1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
- Add 8-10 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil

Method: Mix well and soak paper towels or disposable cloths until the liquid mixture is fully absorbed. Store in a sealed container.