For those living in Japan, toilet paper and masks are starting to become more available, but disinfectants and sanitizers are still scarce.

According to the Japan Times, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) had already announced on April 15th that dishwashing detergent and other household cleaning products could probably be used to neutralize the novel coronavirus on various surfaces, since they contained surfactants which destroy the virus' lipid layer and intended conducting tests to confirm this.

Now, on May 22nd, the METI released its findings, giving residents a clear and specific list of commercial products which are effective to use to disinfect surfaces. Here are some of the most well-known products included in the list:

• バスマジックリン Bath Magiclean (Kao)
• トイレマジックリン 消臭・洗浄スプレー Toilet Magiclean Deodorant and Cleaning Spray (Kao)
• かんたんマイペット Kantan My Pet (Kao)
• スクラビングバブル Scrubbing Bubbles (Johnson & Johnson)
• キュキュット ハンドマイルド Kyukyutto Hand Mild (Kao)
• 除菌ジョイ　コンパクト Joy Compact Jokin (Procter & Gamble)
• チャーミー　マジカ速乾＋ Charmy Magica Quick Dry Plus (Lion)
• ママレモン Mama Lemon (Lion)

Moreover, if you can't find any of those products and are wondering if a certain product will be up to snuff, look for any one of the following on the label:

• Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (0.1% or more)
• Alkylglycoside (0.1% or more)
• Alkylamine oxide (0.005% or more)
• Benzalkonium chloride (0.005% or more)
• Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether (0.2% or more)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry urges citizens to follow the recommended usage stated on the product and not to use these products directly on your hands and skin.