Properties and efficacy of 70% ethanol

70% ethanol is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and also possesses fungicidal and virucidal properties. However, it is not effective against bacterial spores or fungal spores.

The virucidal activity is only partial. Most non-enveloped viruses, such as the hepatitis A virus, are at best only partially affected. Enveloped viruses, including HIV and hepatitis B and C, can be efficiently inactivated. For this purpose, however, higher concentrations are recommended, such as a mixture of 80% ethanol with 5% isopropanol. The superior efficacy against enveloped viruses is explained by the presence of lipids in the envelope, making them more sensitive to the fat-dissolving capacity of alcohol.