Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111

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When less really is more…

‘Why 70% isopropyl alcohol is a better disinfectant than 99% isopropyl alcohol when it comes to Covid-19’, by Rick VanderKoy, CEO and founder of Secure Clean BSI

“We can learn a lot from a study released last year about the use of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for cleaning and disinfecting.

The study, ‘Why 70% isopropyl alcohol is a better disinfectant than 99% isopropyl alcohol when it comes to Covid-19’, points out how using a higher concentration of IPA does not necessarily produce positive results.

So we are all on the same page, isopropyl alcohol is also known as rubbing alcohol. Used as an alternative to traditional disinfectants in medical facilities and other locations, it can eliminate or inactivate many types of germs, bacteria, and pathogens on surfaces.

According to the study, among the reasons 70% IPA is more effective at eliminating the Coronavirus on surfaces, compared to a 99% concentration, are:

• At 99%, IPA is purer but more volatile (unstable) than a 70% solution
• At 99%, IPA evaporates very quickly, reducing its efficacy
• At 70%, there is more water in the IPA, extending the time the solution remains ‘wet’ on a surface before evaporating
• The added ‘dwell time’ improves the efficacy of the IPA compound
• The water allows the IPA to breakdown the cell walls of the virus, causing proteins to spill out and ‘denature’

The term 'denature' means that the natural characteristics of the virus have been eliminated by the IPA. This makes the pathogens no longer infectious, helping to stop the spread of the disease.

However, this study has broader implications.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many cleaning contractors have been under-diluting disinfectants. The intent is to make the disinfectant more powerful; but the opposite may be occurring.

When it comes to fighting Covid, adhere to the manufacturer's recommended dilution ratios. Manufacturers have tested and evaluated their products at different dilutions. Let's follow their guidance.”

Secure Clean Building Services, in business since 1974, is one of the leading commercial janitorial companies in the Greater Chicago area. It offers a full range of services for companies including Nissan Forklift, Snap-on Tools, Northwestern Medicine, Ortho Molecular, and dozens of local area Banks.

Family owned and operated, it has built a solid foundation on cost-effective, high quality and reliable cleaning management, with services provided by trusted, accountable employees (not subcontractors) who take pride in bringing a clean environment to both visitors and employees.

T: 888-609-1410
W: www.securecleanbsi.com

18th March 2021