In light of concerns about COVID-19, health organizations have issued instructions on how to maintain personal safety and cleanliness, including the use of common household products to sanitize homes, offices, and public spaces. As a result, many are stocking up on extra essentials, resulting in grocery store shortages.
Everything from hand sanitizers to paper towels may be hard to find on grocery store shelves, leaving some to wonder what to do to remain safe without sanitizers? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says coronaviruses are some of the easiest viruses to kill because they have an envelope around them that enables them to merge with other cells and infect them. If that protective coating is disrupted, the virus can’t do its job. So, for those having trouble finding well-known cleaning agents, try these alternatives:
Hot water and soap. Handwashing is at the top of the list of sanitizing methods because it is so effective at washing away viruses and bacteria. Friction from scrubbing with soap and water can help break the protective envelope, states the EPA. Soap and water can clean all surfaces, especially when applying a little extra elbow grease.
Hydrogen peroxide. The US Centers for Disease Control says household hydrogen peroxide at 3 percent concentration can deactivate rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within six to eight minutes of contact, and coronavirus is easier to destroy than rhinovirus.
Natural items can be used for general cleaning but haven’t been endorsed for use on COVID-19 disinfection. However, white vinegar, baking soda pastes, citrus oils and juices could fill the void of chemically based cleansers for other home tasks.
