A team of researchers from the University of Sheffield has shown that mild detergents can be as effective as antibacterial soaps at inactivating a range of viruses, including the virus responsible for COVID-19. This finding appears in a study published in Boundaries in Virology, highlighting how everyday cleansers may play a crucial role in infection control beyond traditional antiseptics.
The research compared antibacterial soaps, natural soaps, foaming cleansers, and bathroom cleaners. In controlled handwashing sessions lasting 20 to 60 seconds, participants demonstrated how different products perform in reducing viral presence on the skin, emphasizing practical implications for everyday hygiene routines in homes and healthcare settings alike.
Evidence suggests that mild hand sanitizers can effectively tackle enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. However, their efficacy is markedly lower against non-enveloped viruses like norovirus. The study notes that non-enveloped viruses showed resistance to all handwashing formulations tested and were only reliably neutralized by disinfectant bleach, which is not suitable for use on hands due to potential skin irritation and safety concerns. In clinical and domestic environments, this distinction informs the selection of appropriate cleaning methods for different viral threats.
Healthcare workers who wash their hands extensively, sometimes up to 100 times in a 12-hour shift, face an elevated risk of contact dermatitis. The condition has become more common during the COVID-19 era, with incidence and severity rising significantly. Skin inflammation, blistering, and cracking can complicate hand hygiene practices, potentially undermining infection control if discomfort leads to less frequent or less thorough cleaning.
New insights from the Sheffield study indicate that skin-friendly cleansers may offer a viable alternative to antiseptic soaps, reducing irritation while maintaining protective effects against viruses on the skin. This finding is particularly relevant for frontline workers and anyone who needs to wash hands frequently during the day. The relationship between skin health and infection prevention is increasingly recognized as a key factor in sustaining effective hygiene routines in busy healthcare environments and beyond.
The broader takeaway is clear: while stronger antiseptics have their place, everyday cleansers that are gentle on skin can still play a meaningful role in reducing viral transmission when used correctly. Public health guidance may benefit from integrating these findings into recommendations for hand hygiene, especially in settings where dermatitis risk is high or where frequent handwashing is required. Emphasis on proper washing technique, contact time, and skin care during hygiene routines helps balance the dual goals of reducing pathogen spread and protecting skin health for long-term prevention.
A note on air quality and viral risk underscores that various factors influence exposure indoors. When cooking on a gas stove with limited ventilation, substances released into the air may contribute to health risks. While this aspect extends beyond hand hygiene, it reinforces the importance of a comprehensive approach to reducing occupational and domestic exposure to harmful agents through ventilation, filtration, and careful choices in home and workplace environments.