Natural Beauty Blog by NaturSense

Understanding Isopropyl Alcohol and Grain Alcohol like Everclear for DIY hand sanitizer

Understanding Isopropyl Alcohol and Grain Alcohol like Everclear for DIY hand sanitizer

Rubbing or Isopropyl Alcohol is a common and surprisingly versatile household item, from cleaning your blinds to getting out pesky permanent marker stains. For cleanliness practices you can use it as an antiseptic and surface disinfectant. And believe it or not, smelling rubbing alcohol can quickly help ease nausea.

Some of the lesser-known uses for alcohol are as an astringent, deodorant, evaporating water from your ear, and removing ticks.

Grab a bottle and check the following household to-dos off your list: cleaning dry erase boards, make-up brushes, sinks, chrome and some jewelry (not pearls, opal, lapis or costume jewelry beads!) It can deodorize shoes, disinfect the computer, mouse, cell phone, and even keeps fruit flies away. Permanent marker stains? Isopropyl Alcohol to the rescue!
Source: HEALTHLINE 

Everclear is a brand name of a grain alcohol produced by the American company Luxco and is bottled at 120, 151, 189, and 190 U.S. proof. Due to its market prevalence and high alcohol content, the product has become iconic, with a "notorious reputation" in popular culture.

Here are 14 uses for Everclear: Fuel, fire starter, disinfectant, household cleaner, adult beverage, astringent, stain and dye remover, keeping clothes smelling fresh, deodorant, perfume, insect killer, insect repellent, and air freshener. 

While Everclear is more expensive than rubbing alcohol, it’s very versatile and as you can see both have some of the same functions. 
Source: TALON SURVIVAL 

With everything happening regarding the Coronavirus or Covid-19 the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol can help you to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

If you are going to use Everclear or any other type of grain alcohol for hand sanitizer, you need to make sure it is at least 180 proof which translates to 90% alcohol. 190 proof is 94% alcohol. Your typical bottle of Vodka is 80 proof, therefore only 40%, and definitely not effective in killing viruses. Source: CDC

This is how you can make your own highly effective hand sanitizer with NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel.  The following is what you will need to get started.  

  • NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel
  • Isopropyl Alcohol or Grain Alcohol with a 90% alcohol content*
  • Essential Oil (optional, I used Lavender)
  • Spray bottle or squeeze bottle for storage
  • A Blender or Ninja type mixer

Directions:

  • 1/3 cup of your NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel
  • 2/3 cup of alcohol or Everclear
  • up to 8 drops of essential oil for 1 cup of hand sanitizer (if desired for fragrance)

Put the Aloe in your blender and add the alcohol in small increments, blending after each addition until well-mixed. Add essential oil and blend again. You can store this in a squeeze bottle or a spray bottle. You may have to shake it up from time to time before use, but this makes great hand sanitizer!!!

*If all you have or can find is 70% Isopropyl alcohol, use ¼ cup (2 ounces) aloe vera gel and ¾ cup (6 ounces) alcohol, and follow the same blending procedure until well-mixed.

Please share your questions, comments, or suggestions with us!