TIME: DIY alternatives for when stores are out of coronavirus-fighting products

Dr. Fichtenbaum says no matter what ingredients are used, the most important element is proper hand washing techniques.

“Most of the data that’s been generated looking at enveloped viruses [like SARS-CoV-2], involves observed hand-washing for 30 seconds,” says Dr. Fichtenbaum. 

He also touched on the topic of homemade masks. 

“If I have the virus and I wear a homemade mask, the benefit is that it will stop some of the [virus-containing] droplets from going further around the room,” says Fichtenbaum. “It is not at all clear that the aerosol generated by coughing or sneezing is going to be stopped, especially if the particles are less than five microns.”