Did granny know best? Evaluating the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral efficacy of acetic acid for home care procedures

Abstract

Background: Acetic acid has been used to clean and disinfect surfaces in the household for many decades. The antimicrobial efficacy of cleaning procedures can be considered particularly important for young, old, pregnant, immunocompromised people, but may also concern other groups, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 pandemics. This study aimed to show that acetic acid exhibit an antibacterial and antifungal activity when used for cleaning purposes and is able to destroy certain viruses. Furthermore, a disinfecting effect of laundry in a simulated washing cycle has been investigated. Results: At a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid, acetic acid showed a reduction of > 5-log steps according to the specifications of DIN EN 1040 and DIN EN 1275 for the following microorganisms: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, K. pneumoniae, E. hirae and A. brasiliensis. For MRSA a logarithmic reduction of 3.19 was obtained. Tests on surfaces according to DIN EN 13697 showed a complete reduction (> 5-log steps) for P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, E. hirae, A. brasiliensis and C. albicans at an acetic acid concentration of already 5%. Virucidal efficacy tests according to DIN EN 14476 and DIN EN 16777 showed a reduction of ≥4-log-steps against the Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) for acetic acid concentrations of 5% or higher. The results suggest that acetic acid does not have a disinfecting effect on microorganisms in a dosage that is commonly used for cleaning. However, this can be achieved by increasing the concentration of acetic acid used, especially when combined with citric acid. Conclusions: Our results show a disinfecting effect of acetic acid in a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid against a variety of microorganisms. A virucidal effect against enveloped viruses could also be proven. Furthermore, the results showed a considerable antimicrobial effect of acetic acid when used in domestic laundry procedures.

Hydrothermal deconstruction of single-use personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…With the market volume of acetic acid being projected to spike up to 18.68 metric tonnes by 2026 ( Statisa, 2021 ), acetic acid produced during the hydrothermal deconstruction of PPE waste could be re-utilised for economic and environmental gains. Additionally, acetic acid can act as an effective disinfectant to destroy numerous microbes ( Cortesia et al, 2014 , Zinn and Bockmühl, 2020 ).

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Biocompatible Chitosan Films Containing Acetic Acid Manifested Potent Antiviral Activity against Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses

“…Acetic acid is a good candidate as an antiviral agent according to many studies [17][18][19]. Derivates of acetic acid inhibited the replication of enveloped viruses [20,21], and acetic acid inactivates and separates the external glycoproteins of the viral envelope and inhibits the transmission of enveloped viruses [22,23].…”

The use of cleaning products and its relationship with the increasing health risks during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…It is known that acetic acid in the compound of vinegar has virucidal effects for SARS‐CoV‐2. 28 Vinegar, which is frequently used in the disinfection of fresh vegetables and fruits, is also used in floor and surface cleaning. 25 Although the use of vinegar is perceived as more natural and safer, acetic acid is an organic abrasive and is important in terms of causing chemical reactions and unwanted effects when mixed with alcohol, bleach or carbonate.…”