COVID-19: I’m Out of Disinfectant, Now What?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 25, 2020
Dear Reader,
I hope you’ve been lucky. But maybe you’re having the same problems me and my family are having — we can’t seem to get our favorite foaming soap anywhere.
(This causes my wife — and daughters — much distress… they love their foaming soap!)
Not only that but shelves are thin on a lot of other items too…
the COVID-19 pandemic created an enormous demand for disinfectant sprays, soaps, cleaners and wipes as manufacturers scramble to keep up with the increased demand.
While some things in certain parts of the country could be making a comeback… the reality is, you might still be finding some aisles bare.
So, what can you do if there’s nothing on the shelves?
If your stores are anything like mine, there are no disinfectants to be found.
Industry groups report that sales are up 250 percent (that’s the reason they have a hard time meeting demand!). And with health care facilities and industrial consumers getting it first, there is none left for us every day folks.
Now, you’ve probably heard that overusing antibacterial soaps can cause more problems than they cure by creating bacterial resistance.
But here’s the thing — strong disinfectants are a good thing to have around the house, especially during a pandemic. And they actually don’t cause bacterial resistance (at least not yet).
Anytime you cut meat, or if you wash clothes that potentially have feces in them (as with young children, from animals, or the elderly), or if you are just worried about spreading germs, a disinfectant is an excellent idea.
So, what do you do if you can’t get your hands on any?
Let’s start with soap. Because that is one of the best ways to eliminate COVID-19 from your hands.
COVID-19 has a lipid bilayer (meaning it has a fatty outer layer) and any bar soap or liquid soap will work to disrupt that layer and destroy the virus.
Just be sure to wash your hands vigorously for 20 seconds and let them dry fully. Most bacteria or viruses can’t live in a very dry area, they thrive in moisture.
I know it seems strange that simple soap can destroy such a harmful virus, but it works.
Now, you may have noticed that many alcohol distillers have stepped in to make hand sanitizer for their local communities.
You can usually still buy isopropyl alcohol or go to your liquor store and purchase the strongest alcohol you can buy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a concentration of greater than 60 percent ethanol or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (that means 120 to 140 proof).
Mix those alcohols with a little aloe Vera and you have a great cleanser!
Household bleach will also work if you still have some. Make sure it’s not color-safe or chlorine free bleach. Use 1/3 Cup per gallon (or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water).
The thing most people don’t know about bleach is that, once you made a batch, you need to get rid of it after 24 hours because it loses its potency.
With a lot of hand washing, and a little bit of ingenuity, you can make it through this pandemic all right.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...
Is There Really a Hidden Benefit to BROCCOLI?
Just when we thought broccoli’s resume couldn’t get any more impressive, new research proves us wrong. The phytonutrients in this tasty veggie can lower inflammation… balance blood sugar… and even boost your memory. And you likely already know of broccoli’s legendary prowess in preventing cancer. Now, a new study reveals that sulforaphane, the potent compound...
Belly Trick BOOSTS Brain Function
Boy do I love a cheap and easy solution. And if you can’t resist a good bargain either, keep reading. Because I have a brain-boosting one to share that fits the bill. If you’re like most folks, you intend to stay as sharp as a tack well into your golden years. So, you’re always on...
The Hidden Heart Danger LURKING in Your Gut?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is no walk in the park. The cramping, the urgency, the endless trips to the bathroom—it’s a daily struggle that can leave you exhausted and frustrated. And here’s the kicker: sometimes, IBD’s vague symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis or even NO diagnosis at all....
Has the Key to Unlocking Better MS Treatments Been Found?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Imagine waking up one morning and feeling a strange tingling in your fingers. You brush it off, thinking it’s just a pinched nerve. But then, your vision starts to blur, and your balance is thrown off. Suddenly, you’re faced with a terrifying reality: you have multiple sclerosis (MS). For the...
6 Secret Ways to Spot HIDDEN Processed Foods
“Avoid eating processed foods,”—If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. The reason why is simple. These Frankenfoods are designed to satisfy your taste buds. But they leave your body full of foreign chemicals that can cause harm and in need of more nutrients. But a patient asked me the other day,...
8 Red Flags There’s a Heart Attack in YOUR Future
Humor me and count to 40. Done? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States just had a heart attack. That adds up to around 805,000 people a year. Many of those were a “silent” heart attack, with the victim having no clue it even happened—and they go...