5 Best Cleaning Products to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19

Coronavirus leads to unprecedented times

Like something out of a science fiction movie, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus is spread through droplets released by infected persons when they cough or sneeze. It's also possible that the virus can be picked up when touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. There's no vaccine or cure, and for people who are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, it can cause severe complications and even death. That's why it's vital to regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like kitchen counters, bathroom faucets and doorknobs. As such, we've rounded up the five best cleaning products proven to kill the coronavirus and help prevent infection and spread of the disease.

Soap and Water

COVID-19 has the power to cause life-threatening illness, but it's really easy to kill. The virus is made up of an outer layer designed to merge with other cells and infect them. This protective coating can be disrupted from friction by scrubbing contaminated surfaces with plain ol' soap and water. Richard Sachleben, an organic chemist and member of the American Chemical Society, says to “scrub like you’ve got sticky stuff on the surface and you really need to get it off.”

Household Bleach

Ordinary bleach is found in most households and is another tried-and-true disinfectant. It contains sodium hypochlorite, which is a salt that kills a wide range of germs. Hospitals, restaurants and other facilities swear by bleach to keep surfaces free of contaminants. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), you should dilute bleach by  before using.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is effective against coronavirus and can be used on a wide range of surfaces but without causing unwanted discolorations as is often the case with using bleach. Alcohol contains the active ingredient isopropyl or ethyl (ethanol). When you soak a surface and leave it on long enough, you'll successfully kill all viruses. The .

Clorox

Clorox and similar quaternary ammonium disinfectants (quats) have been recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against COVID-19. These may be in the form of a cleaning solution or disinfecting wipes. Quats are very potent broad-spectrum disinfectants often used in laboratories. Avoid using Clorox on surfaces that'll come in contact with food.

Acids

Though not commonly found in households, except for toilet bowl cleaners, some industrial-strength disinfectants contain acids. Certain acids are strong enough to inhibit viruses and other illness-causing substances. These cleaners may contain one or more of the following acids: peroxyacetic acid, octanoic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and hypochlorous acid. Acids are corrosive, so it's essential to heed all safety precautions when using.

COVID-19 has put everyone in a panic around the world. Although it's dangerous enough to cause death in high-risk people, there are precautions that you can take to keep you and your loved ones from becoming infected and spreading it to other family members. There's no need to take drastic measures and order special cleaning products. You most likely already have one of the six best cleaning solutions lying around the house.