How effective are disinfectants / sanitizers against the coronavirus?

Hand sanitizers containing at least 58% of alcohol are effective, assuming proper use, which includes even distribution over the area and prescribed exposure time. Never wipe off the residue, instead spread it over the area you are disinfecting and let it evaporate on it’s own, unless otherwise instructed by the manufacturer. Generally, higher the alcohol percentage, lower the exposure time required. Similar logic applies to heat (which can be used to disinfect the objects).

CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers Against Covid-19

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Why? According to CDC, soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate many types of microbes very effectively when used correctly, people may not use a large enough volume of the sanitizers or may wipe it off before it has dried and reached it’s full effect. (Source: CDC)

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Why? Many studies show that hand sanitizers work well in clinical settings like hospitals, where hands come into contact with germs but generally are not heavily soiled or greasy. Some data also show that hand sanitizers may work well against certain types of germs on slightly soiled hands. However, hands may become very greasy or soiled in community settings, such as after people handle food, play sports, work in the garden, or go camping or fishing. When hands are heavily soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers may not work well as the extra grease might protect the viruses from sanitizers full effect. Handwashing with soap and water is especially recommended in such circumstances. (CDC)

Alcohol Based Hand Disinfectants Against Covid-19

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Why? Many studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol 1) may not work equally well for many types of germs; and 2) merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright. (CDC)

Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning and has no healing properties against coronavirus if ingested.

This one might seem obvious to most, but unfortunately not to all as there have been deaths reported during this outbreak as a direct result of alcohol poisoning by people looking to cure them-self of coronavirus by ingesting large amounts of various alcohol-based products. Needless to say, alcohol cannot cure you once you are already infected, it can only potentially protect you from getting infected while the virus is still outside of your body.

Why? Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)-based hand sanitizers are safe when used as directed, but they can cause alcohol poisoning if a person swallows more than a couple of mouthfuls. They might also contain other harmful chemicals and substances that are poisonous if ingested. (CDC)

Source: CDC.GOV, WHO