Hand sanitizer vs disinfecting wipes: Which works better for killing germs?

LOS ANGELES - It's the never-ending battle: Protecting yourself, your kids, and your home from germs. There are a lot of options out there on how to best achieve that goal.

Any good parent does their best to protect their children from all those germs, but your kids come home from school with some new illness every week.

Infectious disease Doctor David Michalik from Saint Mary’s breaks down the options.

“Hand sanitizer runs anywhere from 60 to 75 percent alcohol and that tends to be effective for most germs,” Dr. Michalik said. “It's a great thing to have on the go when you're at the park or in the mall.”

Disinfectant wipes now come in medical-grade — but are those better than the ones you buy at the supermarket? 

“Hospital grade cleaners tend to be stronger and contain chemicals that may not be present in household cleaners. Household cleaners are generally less potent and they are less toxic to humans, children, and animals," Dr. Michalik explained. "Your average cleaner will be just fine.”

So yes, hand sanitizer or wipes work, but the best way to protect yourself from germs — hot water, and soap!