Where to get face masks, cleaning wipes and other household essentials for less

Melissa Lee, Reviewed
·5 min read

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In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, basic household essentials, such as toilet paper and disposable gloves, were nearly impossible to find—and, if you managed to spot them, prices were often hiked up due to high demand. While the panic for these items gradually lessened over time as production caught up and states began to roll out vaccinations, it’s still important to have certain necessities, such as face masks and hand sanitizer, on deck.

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Even better, you can currently purchase these household essentials at a discount at much-loved retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart and Staples: The latter, for instance, is offering a buy four cleaning products, get one free deal, so you can stock up through March 6.

Ahead, check out nine at-home necessities to save on, ranging from Reviewed-approved face masks and disposable gloves to thermometers and hand soap.

1. Face masks

Mask up with our favorite face coverings.
Mask up with our favorite face coverings.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends individuals over the age of 2 wear a cloth facial covering to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Not only are they required in the U.S. on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation, they’ve been tested and proven to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing, talking and breathing.

There are a lot of different face masks out on the market nowadays, but our No.1 pick is Athleta’s everyday non-medical masks. Although the material is thinner than other masks our tester tried, each one is triple-layered. They weren’t hard to breathe in, plus, they were comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Right now, you can head to the site to get a five-pack from $14.99, saving you 50% from the original price of $30.

Below, check out even more deals on face masks around the web.

2. Disinfectant wipes

Wipe in one direction to avoid reinfecting areas and leave the surface wet for the appropriate amount of time to properly disinfect.
Wipe in one direction to avoid reinfecting areas and leave the surface wet for the appropriate amount of time to properly disinfect.

Like all-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes can be useful for wiping down germ-filled surfaces in your home or car—especially after going outside. While they're not necessary to wipe down items such as groceries or packages before use, according to Katrina Korfmacher, a director at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Environmental Health Sciences Center, as the risk of catching COVID-19 from surfaces is "exceedingly small," these wipes can also help with peace of mind—I personally like to clean off my counters with alcohol wipes after I put all my groceries away. I also store them in my car for wiping down my center console. Ahead, shop markdowns on disinfectant wipes.

3. Paper towels

Paper towels are a must-have in normal times, but in the age of COVID-19, they've become even more important for helping to clean bacteria-infested spots in your home or dry your hands after washing them. Last year, they were super difficult to find, but right now, you can get them at several different retailers. Although we most recommend the Bounty Select-a-Size two-ply paper towels (not currently discounted), you can get plenty of other great options for less below.

4. Disinfecting spray

Chemical cleaners can help lessen the amount of germs and bacteria in your home.
Chemical cleaners can help lessen the amount of germs and bacteria in your home.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), any surface cleaners with an alcohol content of 70% or more will kill bacteria linked to COVID-19 when used properly. Like toilet paper, all-purpose cleaners were difficult to find during peak quarantine times. Luckily, you can now shop price drops on multi-surface cleaners from trusted brands, such as Method and Clorox.

5. Disposable gloves

Keep your contact with surfaces limited.
Keep your contact with surfaces limited.

Disposable gloves are really handy—literally!—nowadays. If you venture outside to run errands or do some food shopping, you can slip them on to avoid directly touching produce or other products. After each use, you can take them off and throw them away, worry-free. Check out deals on disposable gloves ahead.

6. Hand sanitizer

It goes without saying that hand sanitizer is a definite must-have nowadays. While CDC states that washing your hands with soap and water is more effective than just using hand sanitizer, it’s still helpful in a pinch—especially when you’re out and about in public. The agency recommends using formulas that are made with at least 60% alcohol in order to kill bacteria and germs and reduce their growth, too. Shop markdowns on hand sanitizer below.

7. Hand soap

In order to guard against COVID-19, the CDC suggests washing your hands for at least 20 seconds a few times a day: Before, during and after preparing food, after handling raw food, poultry, seafood and eggs, before eating, after touching garbage, after wiping counters or touching pets and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. According to the organization, it's one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Ahead, shop price drops on hand soap.

8. Toilet paper

Toilet paper is back in stock—and on sale.
Toilet paper is back in stock—and on sale.

Remember when quarantine initially hit, and shoppers were panic-buying toilet paper faster than stores could stock it? With the bathroom essential back on store shelves, there’s no need to buy any more than you need, but it can payoff to purchase packs at a discount. Charmin Ultra Soft ($21.49) is our t.p. of choice, but isn’t on sale at the moment. Check out what is instead below.

9. Thermometers

Find out if you're running a fever in seconds.
Find out if you're running a fever in seconds.

A common symptom of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine is a fever. That’s why it’s super important to have an accurate thermometer on hand in case of any side effects or signs of the illness. This way, you can monitor your or a loved one’s fever in case a doctor has to be contacted. Check out top-rated thermometers for less here.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Household essentials: Get toilet paper, face masks and more on sale