DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray With Essential Oils

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Kiersten James

Make your own DIY hand sanitizer spray with essential oils. This simple recipe uses grain alcohol and natural oils for an effective, safe sanitizer.

I’m pretty sure I have one of these little amber glass spray bottles in every single bag I own. There’s one in my car, in the kitchen, on the porch, in the backyard…they’re everywhere.

There are plenty of times in everyday life when soap and water just aren’t around. That’s when a simple hand sanitizer spray really comes in handy. It’s quick to make, safe for the family, and works just as well as anything from the store.

This recipe uses just a few ingredients: grain alcohol for sanitizing power, and a single essential oil for scent and a little extra benefit. That’s it!

Why Make Hand Sanitizer at Home

Most commercial sanitizers are packed with ingredients I don’t want on my skin or on my kids’ skin. This homemade spray keeps it simple.

Alcohol does the heavy lifting, and the essential oil adds a touch of freshness. By making it myself, I know exactly what’s in it, and I can swap out the scent depending on the season or my mood.

What is Grain Alcohol?

Grain alcohol is a type of pure alcohol produced as a byproduct from fermented grains. It can be made from many different types of grain including wheat, corn, rye, and sugar cane.

An alcohol concentration of 60% is considered acceptable by the CDC to use in hand sanitizers.

A solution containing 70% alcohol that is left on a surface for 30 seconds is strong enough to kill the coronavirus.

Grain alcohol is a pure alcohol and around 75.5%-95% alcohol by volume (ABV) depending on the source.

Best Essential Oils for Hand Sanitizer

You only need one essential oil for this spray. Too many can be irritating, and one scent keeps it straightforward and clean. These are some of our favorites:

• Lavender: calming, classic, and safe for all ages
• Sweet orange: gentle, cheerful, and one of the most universally tolerated essential oils
• Frankincense: earthy and grounding, safe and skin friendly

Whichever essential oils you choose, be sure to rotate them out every two weeks to avoid desensitizing your body to their properties from repeated exposure.

How to Make a DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray with Essential Oils

Supplies:

• 2 ounce glass spray bottle
• Stainless steel funnel

Ingredients:

• 10 drops essential oil of choice
• Grain alcohol (at least 60% alcohol content, 120 proof or higher)

Instructions:

1. Make sure your spray bottle is clean and completely dry.
2. Add about 10 drops of your chosen essential oil into the bottle.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with grain alcohol, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Screw on the spray top, shake well, and label the bottle with the date and oil used.

How to Use:

Shake the bottle before each use. Spray generously onto your hands and rub them together until completely dry, making sure to cover between your fingers and around your nails.

I keep one in the car for errands, one in my purse, and another on the porch for quick sanitizing when I don’t want to stop what I’m doing outside.

Safety Notes

Keep bottles out of reach of children because of the alcohol content.

Make sure your alcohol is strong enough – anything under 60% alcohol won’t be effective for disinfecting.

Always patch test essential oils on your skin before using, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity.

Every Day Essential Oils

Natural Dish Soap That Actually Cuts Grease

All Purpose Floor Cleaner – Smells AMAZING

Reusable Disinfectant Wipes with Essential Oils

DIY Toilet Bombs for a Fresh Bathroom

Essential Oil Roller Blend for Cough Relief

Save It For Later!

Sharing is caring!