[tc4me]

Don't let the virus drive you crazy, the economy lives and benefits only from it e.g. disinfectants are currently sold out everywhere. The soap should actually have disappeared from the shelves. It is the much better virus killer. Also applies to smartphone cleaning!

Virologists emphasize it again and again: Those who do not have a weakened immune system and are not in contact with particularly vulnerable or already infected people do not need a disinfectant against the new coronavirus. Washing hands is enough, says Deutschlandfunk Nova reporter Sophie Stigler.

Soap as an all-rounder
Soap is the all-rounder when it comes to eliminating pathogens: it destroys all viruses, bacteria and even some parasites. It's different with disinfectants, because not all disinfectants help against all viruses, says Sophie Stigler.

"Not all disinfectants help against all viruses. Soap helps against all viruses, including bacteria and even some parasites."
Sophie Stigler, Deutschlandfunk Nova reporter
Destroying viruses such as the corona virus with disinfectants only works if the agent contains very high-proof alcohol. But even then, the viruses would have to be drowned in alcohol to break them, says Australian chemistry professor Pall Thordarson.

You would need a relatively large amount of gel or spray for this. According to the WHO, disinfectant wipes are not suitable for the hands at all and do no more than rub off with wipes without disinfectants, explains Sophie Stigler.

Soap destroys the virus' fatty tissue
In the end, the soap does what it does to our fingers when it destroys viruses: it removes the greasy dirt. The corona virus is also enclosed in a greasy shell, which is then broken up by the soap molecules. The virus bursts and breaks.

I myself work for the fire brigade and we take "only" soap, wash it with warm water and soap for at least 50 seconds!