We have been getting this question a lot because stores are running out of hand-sanitizer and chlorine wipes in record numbers. Most people are concerned with protecting their families from the spread of COVID-19 and are looking for answers.

Wash Your Hands

Let me remind you that good old soap, water, and through handwashing goes a long way in protecting anyone, so don't forget to do that. It's not possible to disinfect everything you come in contact with, which why there is no better defense than handwashing. By the way, anti-bacterial soaps kill bacteria, not viruses, so aggressively rubbing as you wash your hands is paramount.

According to the CDC, household (3 percent) hydrogen peroxide is effective in deactivating rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within 6 to 8 minutes of exposure. Rhinovirus is more difficult to destroy than coronaviruses, so hydrogen peroxide should be able to break down the coronavirus in less time. Here's a quote from the CDC:

"Hydrogen peroxide works by producing destructive hydroxyl free radicals that can attack membrane lipids, DNA, and other essential cell components. Catalase, produced by aerobic organisms and facultative anaerobes that possess cytochrome systems, can protect cells from metabolically produced hydrogen peroxide by degrading hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. This defense is overwhelmed by the concentrations used for disinfection."

OXi-Pro 7

US Water Systems has a product called Oxi-Pro 7 that is 7% hydrogen peroxide with a stabilizer to prevent decomposition (lowering the strength). It is NSF Certified and while we generally use it for water treatment, such as iron and sulfur removal, it has also proved effective against viruses.

We suggest pouring Oxi-Pro-7 into a spray bottle, mixing it 50/50 with RO or Distilled Water. Next, spray it on the surface to be cleaned, but let it sit on the surface for at least 1 minute. Some people use it full strength, which increases its ability to kill the virus or bacteria, but if you do take precautions not to ingest, inhale or get it on your hands or eyes.

Hydrogen peroxide is not corrosive, so it's okay to use it on metal surfaces. However, like bleach, it can discolor fabrics if you accidentally get it on any clothing. You can simply spray it on an area, and you don't even have to wipe it off because it basically decomposes into oxygen and water. It's chemical name is H2O2 and it's a great killer of bacteria and virus on surfaces.