Updated: Where to buy household essentials: Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and more

April 17, 2020 at 7:39 AM·4 min read

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You can still find plenty of hand sanitizer — if you know where to look. (Photo: Getty)

Now that toilet paper has become the unofficial currency of the U.S., grocery stores nationwide are warding off hoarders by placing purchasing limits on it. Meanwhile, stores are also jacking up prices on other basic necessities that you need to retain a sense of normalcy while quarantined at home.

So where should you be shopping for household essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s your definitive list of essential home supplies at sensible prices from retailers you trust. Some items will ship, others are available for in-store pick-up. Online items are in and out of stock, so keep checking back.

Be sure to bookmark this page to refer to for future needs — we will strive to keep it updated as items come back in stock.

Article updated April 16.

Hand sanitizer

While all hand sanitizers are pretty hard to come by these days, the CDC says not all are created equal. Your hand sanitizer should have at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective against COVID-19. Here are some effective ones that are still in stock — some to ship, others for in-store pickup.

Reve Labs hand sanitizer, starting at $9, etsy.com
MaryJoCellCandy Advanced Hand Sanitizer, starting at $18, etsy.com
Pampered Skincare Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer, starting at $14, etsy.com
Assorted Hand Sanitizer, $9, papersource.com
Marianella Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Gel, $16 (was $24), marianella.com
Orly Hand Sanitizer Spray (4-pack of 2 fl oz size), $24, orly.com
Pipette Hand Sanitizer, $5, pipettebaby.com
Hand sanitizer spray, $16, vegamour.com
Hand sanitizer, $2, publicgoods.com

Hand soap

One of the best ways for you to help prevent the spread of the virus is to wash your hands frequently, according to the CDC. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with antibacterial soap after leaving home, using the bathroom, sneezing or coughing, and before eating.

Dove Purely Pampering Coconut Milk & Jasmine Petals Beauty Bar Soap, $6, target.com
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap Lemon Verbena Scent, $4, target.com
Mrs. Meyer's Peony Scented Liquid Hand Soap, $4, target.com
Local Goat Milk Liquid Hand Soap, $8, etsy.com
Grown Alchemist Hand Wash, $37, dermstore.com

Cleaning wipes

Not all cleaning wipes are cut out for killing coronavirus, so the EPA made a list of the products that are. If you have a product already in your home that you’re not sure about, check its EPA registration number against the list.

Everspring Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, target.com

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, $18, staples.com
NXT Technologies Screen Cleaning Wipes, 100/Tub, $5, staples.com
SagedHome Reusable Disinfectant Wipes, starting at $14, etsy.com

Paper towels

The CDC recommends cleaning your home with disposable paper towels rather than rags or sponges.

Windsoft C-Fold Paper Towels, $67, target.com
Bounty Essentials 2-Ply Paper Towels, $8 (was $9), officedepot.com
Bounty Select-A-Size 2-Ply Paper Towels, $11 (was $12), officedepot.com
Full Sheet White Paper Towels, $13, target.com

Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is in such short supply that there’s been a spike in bidet sales, and there’s even a zip code-based tracker for finding toilet paper near you. Here’s where to get it:

Charmin Ultra Strong 2-Ply Bathroom Tissue 12 Mega Rolls, $15 (was $16), officedepot.com
Morcon Paper Center-Pull Roll Towels, $49, staples.com
Genuine Joe Jumbo Rolls, 12 Rolls, $40, homedepot.com
Kimberly Clark Scott 100% Recycled Fiber Jrt Jumbo Bath Tissue (12 Rolls), $86, homedepot.com

Tissues

Whether you have allergies or are just prone to having a runny nose, an extra box or two of tissues is a must in any household.

Facial Tissue 4pk - Up&Up, $5, target.com
Facial Tissue Pocket Pack - 10ct/8pk - Up&Up, $2, target.com
Perk Ultra Soft Standard Tissue, $12, staples.com
Kleenex Standard Facial Tissues, 2-Ply, 100 Sheets/Box, 36 Boxes/Pack, $58, staples.com
Kleenex 2-Ply Facial Tissue, $10, officedepot.com

Thermometers

Along with a cough and shortness of breath, a fever is among the top three symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC. Only an effective at-home thermometer can let you know if there’s cause for concern. Here are some great thermometers for adults and children at decent prices.