Effectiveness of Washing Techniques in Eradicating Mpox Virus from Textiles
Overview
This study demonstrates that common laundry detergents, sodium hypochlorite, liquid sanitizers, and high-temperature water (70°C) effectively inactivate Mpox virus (MPXV) on cotton and polyester fabrics, achieving over 99.9% viral reduction. These findings support current WHO guidance on laundering to prevent MPXV transmission via contaminated textiles.
Background
Mpox virus (MPXV), an Orthopoxvirus, has emerged as a global health threat with over 100,000 cases reported worldwide. Transmission occurs primarily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, including fabrics. Environmental contamination of household surfaces and textiles has been documented, with infectious virus detected days after patient departure. Given the potential for fomite-mediated transmission, effective laundering methods are critical to interrupt virus spread.
Data Highlights
Washing Method
Fabric Type
MPXV Inactivation
Sodium hypochlorite (room temp)
Cotton & Polyester
>3 log10 reduction (>99.9%)
Liquid sanitizer (room temp)
Cotton & Polyester
>3 log10 reduction (>99.9%)
Powdered laundry detergents (room temp)
Cotton & Polyester
>3 log10 reduction (>99.9%)
Water at 70°C alone
Cotton & Polyester
>3 log10 reduction (>99.9%)
Key Findings
MPXV can be effectively inactivated on cotton and polyester fabrics using common laundry detergents, sodium hypochlorite, or liquid sanitizers at room temperature.
Washing with water at 70°C alone achieves complete MPXV inactivation (>99.9%).
MPXV contamination levels on fabrics and low virus transfer rates to skin suggest low transmission risk after proper laundering.
Environmental sampling shows fabrics retain infectious MPXV for days, emphasizing the importance of thorough laundering.
WHO recommendations for laundering contaminated textiles are supported by direct evidence of MPXV inactivation.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers and households should adhere to WHO laundering guidelines using detergents, disinfectants, or high-temperature water to minimize MPXV transmission risk from contaminated fabrics. Proper laundering reduces viral load on textiles, thereby lowering fomite-mediated infection potential in both clinical and domestic settings.
Conclusion
This study provides robust evidence that standard laundering practices effectively inactivate MPXV on textiles, supporting infection control measures to prevent mpox spread via contaminated fabrics.
References
WHO Guidance and Related Studies 2022 -- Mpox Virus Transmission and Control
