Japanese experts find kitchen detergents may kill coronavirus

Three disinfectants to be tested due to shortage of alcohol-based cleaners

20200415 Dishwash liquid covid 19

A government committee of experts in Japan believes detergents such as those found in dish soap may be sufficient to disinfect common surfaces of coronavirus contamination. (Source photo by Reuters)  

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the National Institute of Product Evaluation Technology announced Wednesday that simple cleaners such as kitchen detergent may be effective disinfecting agents for the new coronavirus.

The findings will be verified through experiments and preliminary results compiled in May. Japan aims to increase the range of approved disinfection methods for homes and workplaces due to a shortage of alcohol-based disinfectants.

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