Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19? What cleaning products are best?

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.  If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection.

Show All Answers

1. What should I do if there is an outbreak in my community?
2. What should I do if someone in my house gets sick with COVID-19?
3. How can my family and I prepare for COVID-19?
4. How can I prepare for COVID-19 at work?
5. Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19? What cleaning products are best?
6. How do I prepare my children in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in our community?
7. What steps should parents take to protect children?
8. Should I continue to go to work if there is an outbreak in my community?