8 COVID-19 DISINFECTANT IDEAS

8 COVID-19 Disinfectant Ideas

*In alphabetical order not the order of importance
 

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (Effective against coronaviruses)

By itself, Alcohol has long been used as an antiseptic. Ethyl alcohol is effective against a wide range of bacteria, and some viruses, namely those known as "enveloped viruses." These viruses — including influenza and coronaviruses — are enveloped in a lipid membrane that can be disrupted by alcohol and other disinfectants, thus inactivating the virus. 

Ammonia-based cleaners 

Ammonia is not registered as a disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), even though it may be an environmentally friendly cleaning solution. Ammonia might kill salmonella and E. coli, but it is not an effective defense against dangerous staphylococcus bacteria. And remember never to mix ammonia with bleach.

Baking soda

Baking soda is often used as a household cleaner; however, it is ineffective against most bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli. and staphylococcus. If you suspect there has been contamination of any of these bacteria, just know that baking soda should not be used in the place of a product registered as a disinfectant by the EPA.

Bleach (Effective against coronaviruses)

Bleach is a relatively cheap and highly effective disinfectant. It kills some of the most dangerous bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli and salmonella — together with many viruses, including the flu and the common cold. According to the CDC, It should also work on the novel coronavirus, noting that "unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted." 

In its guidance for COVID-19, the CDC advises using a bleach solution with 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, and following manufacturer's instructions for application and ventilation.

Hydrogen peroxide (Effective against coronaviruses)

Hydrogen peroxide has antimicrobial properties and can be an effective household cleaner. It is also highly biodegradable. However, concentrated hydrogen peroxide is extremely dangerous and should only be used as a disinfectant at concentrations lower than 3%.

Soap and water (Effective against coronaviruses)

Regular soap and water clean germs away rather than killing them, but that's still a key step in reducing infection, the CDC points out. Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the main recommendations for limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus, since it seems to spread primarily from person to person via respiratory droplets, which are often found on our hands and easily transferred to our faces.

Stores are filled with products that boast antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial soap. A common misconception, however, is that antibacterial soap is effective in eradicating all germs. Although antibacterial soap may kill some bacteria, there is little evidence that it's more effective than regular soap, and it offers no additional protection from viruses.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a natural, biodegradable antiseptic that can be useful for treating minor cuts and wounds. It may not be strong enough to kill viruses and more powerful bacteria, though.

Vinegar

Vinegar can be used as a safer bleach alternative for some applications, such as cleaning, and research has shown it can be effective against some bacteria and viruses, including the flu. It is also biodegradable. Vinegar is not a registered disinfectant, however, and does not kill dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus.

For a more extensive list (287 named products) you can go to  the EPA website https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2