HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER SPRAY
August 7, 2026
Hand sanitizer is something I like having tucked into my purse, diaper bag, or car for the times when washing our hands isn’t immediately an option. I prefer a spray because it is quick to use, easy to carry, and doesn’t leave behind the thick or sticky feeling that some gel sanitizers do.
This homemade hand sanitizer spray keeps things especially simple with 70% isopropyl alcohol, a tiny amount of vegetable glycerin, and an optional essential oil for scent. I usually reach for orange because I love the fresh, clean smell.
Unlike many of my homemade cleaning recipes, though, the amount of each ingredient matters here. Hand sanitizer needs a high enough concentration of alcohol to work effectively, so this isn’t a recipe I recommend changing or diluting with extra oils, glycerin, water, or aloe.
WHAT DO THE INGREDIENTS DO
70% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
Isopropyl alcohol is the important ingredient in this formula. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work by reducing germs on the hands when soap and water aren’t available.
Because this recipe starts with 70% isopropyl alcohol, I only add very small amounts of the other ingredients so the alcohol isn’t unnecessarily diluted.
VEGETABLE GLYCERIN
Vegetable glycerin is a humectant that helps attract and hold moisture. I use only a small amount to make the alcohol spray feel a little less drying on my hands without adding enough to significantly dilute the alcohol.
ESSENTIAL OIL
The essential oil is completely optional and is here for scent—not for the sanitizing action of the recipe. Orange is my personal favorite because it gives the spray a light, fresh smell without using an artificial fragrance.
If you prefer an unscented hand spray, simply leave it out.
A SIMPLE FORMULA
This homemade hand sanitizer spray is intentionally simple, with alcohol doing the important work and only a small amount of vegetable glycerin and optional essential oil added.
Commercial hand sanitizers are professionally formulated and manufactured as over-the-counter drug products, so a homemade version isn’t exactly the same and shouldn’t be treated as one.
I still like this simple formula for personal use because I know exactly what’s in it, there are no added dyes or artificial fragrances, and every ingredient has a purpose. With hand sanitizer, though, simple also means being precise—the measurements matter because adding too much of the other ingredients can dilute the alcohol below an effective concentration.
Explore some of my favorite recommended products to support your health journey (displayed on this page as affiliate links), and remember to always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle—full medical disclaimer here.
Hand Sanitizer Spray
EQUITMENT
- Small glass or alcohol-compatible spray bottle
- Measuring spoon
- Small funnel
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 1/8 tsp vegetable glycerin
- 10 drops essential oil optional
DIRECTIONS
- Add the vegetable glycerin and essential oil to a clean, dry spray bottle.
- Pour in 2 ounces of 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Secure the sprayer and gently shake to combine.
- Label the bottle clearly.
HOW TO USE
Spray enough onto your hands to thoroughly wet the surfaces of both hands. Rub your hands together, including between your fingers and over the backs of your hands, until completely dry. Don’t wipe or rinse the sanitizer off before it dries.
Hand sanitizer is meant for those times when soap and water aren’t readily available. If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, washing with soap and water is the better option.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store the spray tightly closed and away from heat, flames, and direct sunlight.
Because alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be dangerous if swallowed, keep it somewhere children and pets cannot reach it. Children should use hand sanitizer with adult supervision.
MACHINES BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY
Dishwashers, water hardness, wash temperatures, and cycles vary quite a bit from one home to another. I always recommend trying the recipe with your normal load and adjusting the amount if needed.
FAQs
Do I need essential oils?
Not at all. The essential oil is only there for scent and can be omitted completely.
Why Doesn't This Recipe Use Water?
The isopropyl alcohol I’m using is already a 70% solution, meaning it has already been diluted to its labeled concentration. Adding additional water would only lower the percentage of alcohol in the finished spray.
Can I add aloe vera?
I don’t add aloe to this recipe. Every additional ingredient dilutes the alcohol, and adding a larger amount of aloe would change the final alcohol concentration.
I prefer using just a tiny amount of vegetable glycerin to improve the feel of the spray while keeping the formula primarily alcohol.
