With the current situation in the U.S. it is more important now than ever to make sure we are doing our best to keep ourselves and our families safe.  That means we need to be aware that not all cleaning products are effective in killing the virus.  The CDC offers some great tips and guidelines to help us make sure we are choosing the proper disinfectants.

CDC Recommended Hand Sanitizers
The CDC recommends that any alcohol-based disinfectant be at least 70 percent alcohol.  Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to ensure that you are using it properly in order to kill the bacteria and viruses on your hands.   If you are making your own hand sanitizer, make sure you are absolutely doing the math correctly to get the correct alcohol percentage; please don’t go by just any recipe you find on the internet.
 
Hand Soaps
The truth of the matter is that any soap will work to aid in prevention.  While some soaps contain additional antibacterial ingredients, it does not make them any more effective against the virus.  What does matter is the process of how you wash your hands.  It is the physical act of lathering, rinsing, and washing for at least 20 seconds that helps to rapidly reduce the number of bacteria and viruses on your hands.
 
Disinfectants
The CDC recommends disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily in common household areas.  These areas include tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks, and other areas.  The CDC states that most EPA registered disinfectants will work against the virus.  Lysol, Clorox, and hydrogen peroxide products, along with the off-name brands are among the many products that are approved for use against the virus.  For those who are looking for a more natural cleaning solution, Nixall disinfectant is a great recommendation, but don’t mix it up with Nixall cleaner.  Suggested use for it to be effective against the virus is to spray it on the surface undiluted and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before wiping it down.  You can easily check to see if your product is EPA approved against the COVID-19 virus by following this link and typing in the EPA registered code located on your product.
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
 
Please be cautious when using disinfectants and follow the instructions for use. Use proper ventilation and gloves where necessary; avoid contact with your eyes or mucus membranes. Do not use disinfectants internally or externally on your body.
 
Homemade Disinfectants
While making your own household cleaners and disinfectants can be a great way to avoid harmful chemicals for you and your family, caution is advised in using them against the virus because there is not enough evidence to prove that they are in fact effective enough to kill the virus.  Essential oils and vinegar products are not included in the EPA approved list, so be aware of that when using them.