COVID-19 Update: A dishwashing liquid makes an effective disinfectant? Here's what studies by METI and NITE found!

07/17/2020 12:48:39 AM

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has recently commissioned the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) to look into other options for disinfecting homes and workplaces. Part of this objective is to mitigate global alcohol shortage, as well as to cope with the sudden surge in demands of alcohol disinfectant at medical facilities as well as home and workplace environments. 

Lab studies conducted by both METI and Japan's NITE have proven that some cleaning actives also known as surfactants can be effective against SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19, especially when they are used in proper levels or amounts. Test findings by NITE have confirmed that there is a significant reduction in the virus count on items or surfaces that are exposed to a surfactant diluted to 0.05%-0.2% for twenty seconds to five minutes.

As a result, there are seven types of surfactants are commonly found in a Joy dishwashing liquid. Here's what the review committee of experts has listed as part of that list, with a certain measurement each.

• Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (0.1% or more)
• Alkyl glycoside (0.1% or more)
• Alkylamine oxide (0.05% or more)
• Benzalkonium chloride (0.05% or more)
• Benzethonium chloride (0.05% or more) (newly added on May 28, 2020)
• Dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride (0.01% or more) (newly added on May 28, 2020)
• Polyoxyethylene alkylether (0.2% or more)

With this research confirming more accessible ways to disinfect your homes and workplaces, dishwashing liquids containing these ingredients can benefit Filipinos and serve as a reliable substitute for alcohol-based disinfectants. Imagine the convenience and better value for money as the product’s multi-purpose use of disinfecting various items would be effective, not just in the kitchen but on other household items as well. 

That said, the two parties of Japan METI and NITE recommends the solution ratio of one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid mixed in 500ml water. To sanitize through the said solution, follow these directions: 

• Wipe all items or surfaces with a cloth soaked in this solution. Ensure to squeeze excess liquid out of the cloth to prevent the liquid from dripping. 
• Wipe firmly in one direction to prevent spreading dirt and virus. 
• Leave the items or surfaces to rest with the mixture for about five minutes. 
• Wipe off the soap solution with a cloth soaked in water. 
• Finally, wipe dry all items and surfaces with another clean cloth. 

To know more about the findings of this research, visit METI's official website. Follow Joy Philippines’ official Facebook page for more updates.

Author: slickmaster | © 2020 The SlickMaster's Files