COVID-19 is a new virus, and as such, there is still a lot of research to be done on how it spreads and how it can be neutralized. Fortunately, there are some products that have already proven themselves effective when it comes to fighting the coronavirus, and many of them are items that you probably already have in your home.
Hand Soap
Soap is very effective at killing viruses like COVID-19, which is why regular and thorough hand washing has been one of the number one pieces of advice for fighting the coronavirus. It doesn’t have to be a special kind of soap either— any liquid or bar soap that you find at the store can do the trick. Just remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and scrub all over! If you can’t get to a sink, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best option.
Bleach
Bleach is a common household cleaner that is tough on germs and is commonly used for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. Creating diluted bleach solutions to clean with can be time-consuming, so it’s advisable to have Clorox or Lysol wipes and sprays on hand as well, to quickly wipe down surfaces and kill any viruses that may be present. Hydrogen peroxide is another alternative that can be used to clean metal and stainless steel, which bleach can corrode.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solutions that contain at least 70% isopropyl alcohol can be used to kill the coronavirus. Mixing alcohol and water in a spray bottle is a great way to clean electronics like cellphones, as many of the more recent smartphones are fairly water-resistant and can handle being sprayed with rubbing alcohol a few times. Once you apply the alcohol solution, refrain from wiping it away for at least 30 seconds to give it time to eliminate viruses and bacteria.
What Not to Do
Mixing different detergents and household cleaners together may seem like a good way to get extra cleaning power, but mixing chemicals together will offer no benefits at best and be extremely dangerous at worst. You should also avoid spraying yourself or others with Lysol and similar aerosol products, as they are not meant to be sprayed on the skin. Washing your clothes with regular detergent and taking a shower is a much better way to kill germs after you return home from a public place. Finally, drinking alcohol does not contain the right properties to kill viruses like COVID-19, so it cannot be used as a substitute for isopropyl alcohol.
Resources: The CDC and Consumer Reports
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