Study Proves Effectiveness of Cleaning Agents Against Coronavirus

As reopening facilities increase their cleaning, they have confirmation that the active ingredients in commonly used cleaning products are effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

In a research letter published in the current issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, investigators write that products formulated with ethyl alcohol, para-chloro-meta-xylenol (PCMX), salicylic acid, and quaternary ammonium compounds kill 99.9% of coronaviruses. The researchers say viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are some of the most vulnerable pathogens to these four microbicidal agents which are found in many detergents and cleaning solutions. 

The investigators made their claims following laboratory tests examining active ingredients in well-known and widely used brands of antiseptic liquid, hand sanitizer, hand wash, disinfectant spray, personal care and surface wipes, bar soap, surface cleanser, and laundry sanitizer. The study found all microbicidal actives to be effective at inactivating SARS-CoV-2 within one to five minutes.

The researchers’ hope is that their findings will be useful to the infection prevention and control community. For information on the proper use of cleaners and disinfectants found to be effective against coronavirus, check out this tip sheet and infographic.