Spicy & Citrus Clean Hand Spray

This homemade "Clean Hands Spray" is perfect for a quick, fragrant cleanse when soap and water aren’t available. While it doesn’t replace traditional handwashing, this spray combines zesty orange, spicy clove, and warming cinnamon essential oils to provide a refreshing, invigorating experience.

Unlike commercial sanitizers with alcohol or synthetic chemicals, this simple, natural spray offers light cleansing with only a few ingredients and makes a thoughtful gift for family and friends.

Why Make at Home?

Crafting your own clean hands spray allows you to control the ingredients, creating a refreshing, chemical-free mist with the natural benefits of essential oils. This DIY spray offers a gentle, uplifting alternative to conventional hand cleansers, leaving a subtle, spicy aroma that invigorates the senses.

Perfect for a quick, refreshing spritz after handling shopping carts, door handles, or antiques, this spray lightly cleanses hands and can be used before applying hand sanitizer if needed.

With just a few essential oils and common household ingredients, it’s an easy way to make a personalized spray that also doubles as a thoughtful gift.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

This recipe combines essential oils and other gentle, natural ingredients. Here’s a closer look at why each ingredient was chosen:

Clove Essential Oil: Adding clove essential oil is a great way to incorporate natural cleansing benefits while enjoying a warm, pleasant aroma.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Sweet orange essential oil is an ideal ingredient for its freshness, gentle cleansing action, and uplifting scent

Cassia Cinnamon Essential Oil: Like clove, cassia cinnamon oil has a bold, spicy aroma that’s warmer and more intense than regular cinnamon essential oil.

Rosemary Essential Oil: Adding rosemary essential oil provides effective cleansing power, a fresh herbal aroma.

Witch Hazel: Often used as a natural astringent, witch hazel helps dilute the essential oils and provides a light cleansing base that’s gentle on hands.

Vegetable Glycerin: Glycerin acts as a skin conditioner, helping to retain moisture, which is especially beneficial during dry or cold seasons.

Clean Hands Spicy Citrus Spray Recipe

This recipe yields approximately 2 ounces of clean hands spray. Feel free to scale up or down depending on how much you’d like to make. You’ll need a small glass measuring cup, a mixing spoon, and a 2-ounce spray bottle (preferably glass).

Ingredients for the Hand Spray

  • 1/4 cup filtered water
  • 1 tablespoon witch hazel
  • 1/4 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (for added moisture)
  • 14 drops clove essential oil
  • 8 drops sweet orange essential oil
  • 8 drops cassia cinnamon essential oil
  • 4 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions for Making the Clean Hands Spray

Begin by adding a label to the bottle, then proceed with the following steps:

Combine the Ingredients

In a small glass measuring cup, add the water, witch hazel, and vegetable glycerin. Drop in the essential oils: clove, sweet orange, cassia cinnamon, and rosemary.

Mix Thoroughly

Stir the mixture well to ensure the oils disperse. For the best blend, let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the scents can meld.

Pour into a Spray Bottle

Using a small funnel, pour the mixture into a 2-ounce glass spray bottle.

Shake Before Use

Essential oils naturally separate from water, so remember to shake the bottle before each use.

How to Use the Clean Hands Spicy Citrus Spray

Shake well before each use to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Spray a small amount into one hand, then rub your hands together, ensuring you cover both palms and fingers. Let your hands air dry. You’ll notice the warm, spicy citrus aroma as it lingers for a few moments.

This spray is ideal for use after touching shared surfaces, and it pairs well with hand sanitizer if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection.

  • Storage: Store your spray in a cool, dark place - like a purse or the center console - to help preserve the essential oils’ effectiveness.
  • Gift Idea: If you’re making this spray as a gift, consider adding a label with the ingredients and a quick set of instructions for use.
  • Customization: Feel free to experiment with other essential oils. For a more woodsy aroma, try adding cedarwood or sandalwood. Or, add a few drops of lemon for a bright, citrusy twist.

This spray is intended to freshen and lightly cleanse hands, but it’s not a substitute for thorough handwashing with soap and water. Whenever possible, wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating or after touching high contact surfaces.