Which sanitizer is most effective at killing viruses?

The effectiveness of sanitizers against viruses can vary based on their chemical composition and the specific viruses they are targeting. Alcohol-based sanitizers, particularly those with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol, are widely recognized for their effectiveness against a broad range of viruses, including enveloped viruses like the influenza virus and coronaviruses.

Chlorine sanitizers also have virus-killing properties but require specific concentrations and contact times to be fully effective, especially against certain types of viruses. Iodine sanitizers are less commonly used for virus disinfection today because, while effective against some viruses, they may not be as broadly effective as alcohol-based options. Quaternary ammonium compounds, while effective against certain bacteria and enveloped viruses, typically do not perform as well against most non-enveloped viruses.

Considering these factors, alcohol-based sanitizers are often considered the gold standard for killing viruses. Therefore, recognizing the high efficacy of alcohol-based sanitizers makes them one of the preferred choices for viral disinfection, particularly in a healthcare setting or public health context.