The literature analysis on the use of antiseptic surgical irrigation solutions in orthopaedics and trauma surgery focused on the risk-benefit ratio, the prophylactic use to prevent postoperative wound infections, and the possible use in negative pressure wound therapy. There are relevant differences between active agents regarding remanence, penetration, tissue toxicity, exposure time, and antiviral activity. The authors recommend a basic set of three solutions to be prepared for most cases: hypochlorite, PVP-I and PHMB.