The Science Behind Diluting 99% Alcohol to Reach 70% Concentration
Diluting 99% alcohol to reach a 70% concentration may seem like a simple process, but there is some science behind it. The reason why this process is important is that 70% alcohol is considered the most effective concentration for disinfecting surfaces and killing viruses and bacteria.
The reason why 70% alcohol is more effective than higher concentrations such as 99% is due to how it interacts with microorganisms. Pure alcohol, or anything above 90%, has a coagulative effect on proteins in microorganisms. This means that the proteins in the microorganisms will coagulate, resulting in the surface being left solid, which in turn creates a protective barrier for the rest of the microorganisms. This coagulative effect of 99% alcohol will only kill the surface bacteria, leaving the rest of the microorganisms to survive.
However, when 70% alcohol is used, it has a different effect. At this concentration, alcohol acts as a protein denaturant, meaning that it changes the shape of the proteins in the microorganisms. This change in protein shape causes the proteins to become inactive and unable to function, which in turn kills the microorganism entirely. This effect of 70% alcohol is more effective than a higher concentration in killing a broader range of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria.
So, to make 70% alcohol from 99%, you need to add an equal amount of distilled water. The addition of water reduces the alcohol concentration, bringing it down to a more effective 70%. For example, if you have 1 liter of 99% alcohol, you need to add 1 liter of distilled water to bring it down to a 70% concentration. This is a simple and effective way to get the most out of your alcohol solution.
In conclusion, diluting 99% alcohol to reach a 70% concentration is a simple process backed by science. Understanding how alcohol interacts with microorganisms and how the concentration can affect the overall effectiveness is essential to creating an effective disinfectant solution. Following the right dilution process can help ensure that you are creating a solution that can kill a broad range of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Dilute 99% Alcohol to 70% for Sanitizing Use
When it comes to sanitizing surfaces or objects, a solution of 70% alcohol is ideal. However, 99% alcohol is far more common on store shelves. Fortunately, it is possible to dilute the 99% alcohol to 70% by following these simple steps:
- Gather your supplies: 99% isopropyl alcohol, distilled water, a measuring container, and a stir stick or spoon.
- Carefully measure out 33.33 mL (2.2 tablespoons) of 99% isopropyl alcohol into a clean container.
- Add 14.67 mL (1 tablespoon) of distilled water to the container. Note: It is important to use distilled water to avoid contamination and ensure accuracy of the final solution.
- Stir the solution for 30 seconds or until the alcohol and water are fully mixed. Note: Do not shake the container, as this can create air bubbles that can compromise the accuracy of the solution.
- Your diluted 70% alcohol solution is now ready to use for sanitizing surfaces or objects. Be sure to label the container with the date and the contents of the solution for future reference.
It is important to note that 70% alcohol is not effective for disinfecting hands or skin. For that, you should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
By following these simple steps, you can safely and effectively dilute 99% alcohol to 70% for sanitizing purposes.
Exploring the Benefits of Using 70% Alcohol over 99% for Disinfecting Purposes
While 99% alcohol might seem like the most effective solution for disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces, it’s important to understand the benefits of using a solution that has a lower percentage of alcohol, such as 70%.
One of the main benefits of using 70% alcohol is its ability to penetrate the cell wall of bacteria and viruses more effectively. The water content in 70% alcohol allows it to denature proteins more effectively than 99% alcohol, which evaporates too quickly to achieve the same level of penetration. The efficacy of using 70% alcohol is further improved by the addition of a small amount of water to the formula, making this solution more powerful than undiluted 99% alcohol.
In addition, 70% alcohol is generally considered to be safer than 99% alcohol because of its slower rate of evaporation. This slower rate of evaporation allows the alcohol to stay on the surface for a longer period of time, providing better coverage and allowing the solution more time to destroy bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, 70% alcohol is less likely to cause skin irritation or dryness compared to 99% alcohol, which can strip the skin of natural oils and lead to greater skin sensitivity over time.
While 99% alcohol might seem like a more potent disinfectant option, the benefits of using 70% alcohol for disinfecting surfaces and other items cannot be underestimated. The slower rate of evaporation, greater penetration power, and lower risk of skin irritation make 70% alcohol a superior choice for sanitizing and disinfecting in both personal and professional settings.
