As we are all only too aware, germs and microbes circulate freely in the air, and this can lead to illnesses being quickly transmitted. Making matters worse, not everyone is in the habit of regularly washing their hands. This could be partly due to the fact that they suffer from dry hands and washing them aggravates this (if this is the case, try a mixture of Castille soap diluted in a little water and add some oil to nourish your hands…. you could quickly change your mind!) But another way of ensuring your hands are fully clean is to make an antibacterial product to use as needed. Here are two “recipes” to vary things up.  

Antibacterial lemon and lavender spray

We often use gel based antibacterial hand sanitisers. But this spray version is just as effective. It contains witch hazel which soothes the skin and has astringent properties, aloe vera and glycerin for easing skin irritation and for hydration, and essential oils which disinfect the hands and add the antibacterial factor we are looking for.

This alcohol-free version is gentle and effective, and is suitable for children. For adults, you can replace the lavender with tea tree or oregano essential oil.

What you need:

• 60 ml witch hazel
• 30 g aloe vera
• 5 g glycerin
• 15 drops of lemon essential oil
• 15 drops of lavender essential oil
• Spray flask

Method:

1) Mix the glycerin with the essential oils.

2) Pour the aloe vera and the witch hazel into your spray flask and add the mixture of the oils.

3) Shake well to combine everything.

Directions for use: shake well and spray two or three times into your hands. Rub them together to spread the mixture.