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Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
Published on: June 21, 2022
[Disinfectants and antiseptics facing coronavirus: synthesis of evidence and recommendations]
Joaquín León Molina1, Eva Abad-Corpa2
1Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca. Servicio Murciano de Salud, ENFERAVANZA, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, España.
Objective:
To synthesize the available evidence on the use of antiseptics and disinfectants in the face of VIDOC-19 infection.
Method:
Bibliographic search in the main databases (WOS, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, SCIELO, PubMed, BMJ Best Practice, Cochrane Library, UptoDate) and on the web of official bodies in March 2020, using descriptors and truncations. The search was limited to reviews published between 2016-2020.
Results:
Thirty-six papers were identified (no duplicates) of which 17 were selected for relevance and specificity and one paper was added from the literature review. In the documents finally used, no evidence was located, but experiences and recommendations of interest were found, highlighting the importance of material, environmental and, very significantly, hand disinfection.
Conclusion:
There is no clear evidence, nor are there clear recommendations for the use of one or another antiseptic, although the action of sodium hypochlorite, ethanol and hydrogen peroxide is highlighted in comparison to others such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine digluconate, povidoeyodine and diluted ethyl alcohol. Particular importance is attached to their use in hand hygiene, the use of protective equipment and environmental disinfection.
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