Alcohol or bleach are both effective at disinfecting surfaces. However, did you know there is actually a counterintuitive rule of thumb you need to follow when cleaning with alcohol? This has something to do with the alcohol’s percentage by volume.
You probably assume that alcohol solutions with higher percentage are more powerful and effective when it comes to killing germs. Lower percent alcohol indicates that there is more water that dilutes the mix in a bottle. However, microbiology states that 70% isopropyl alcohol is actually more effective and potent than 91% for disinfecting, depending on the specific kind of germs that you want to kill.
Isopropyl alcohol or also called rubbing alcohol is a type of disinfectant often used by hospitals, clean rooms, and pharmaceutical companies. This is also used for the purification of medical devices and electronics during manufacturing.
Isopropyl alcohol is available with different purity grades and each of them is used for a specific purpose. In general, isopropyl alcohol is beneficial and effective for disinfecting and cleaning.
So, why is lower percentage alcohol a much better weapon for fighting off germs? Is rubbing alcohol flammable after it dries?
Basically, a 91% alcohol is too powerful in certain instances. It can fry the exterior of the cell before it gets inside and kills the actual germ. On the other hand, 70% alcohol is the correct proportion of alcohol and water for zapping the entire cell.
How to prepare 70% isopropyl alcohol from 91%
As far as the health and safety of you, your family, friends, and colleagues are concerned, you need to use only the best.
When preparing 70% isopropyl alcohol using 91% isopropyl alcohol, it is important to remember that diluting it too much might only lead to spreading germs instead of killing them. Make sure that you measure the ingredients when you prepare the recipe since the health and safety of your loved ones will count on it. If you are doubt, it is best to just toss it out.
The ingredients you will need include:
- Tap water 2 fl oz. (0.5 fl oz = 1 Tablespoon )
- 8 fl oz of 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
Follow these steps to make 71% isopropyl alcohol from 91% isopropyl alcohol:
- Mix water with 91% isopropyl alcohol in a clean spray bottle. Shake gently to mix well.
- Store the mixed alcohol solution in the spray bottle for a more convenient measured dispensing. Keep the bottle stored away from sources of direct sunlight, spark, or heat. This mixture doesn’t expire. The contents of the bottle will be able to kill viruses and germs provided that the ABV stays at more than 70%.
And as simple as that, you now have your 70% isopropyl alcohol. Your alcohol solution disinfectant spray is now all done and ready for killing those pesky viruses and germs. Follow these simple steps and stay safe!
Why 70% isopropyl alcohol is more effective than 90%+ isopropyl alcohol
Is 70 isopropyl alcohol safe for electronics?
Can you mix 70 alcohol with 91 alcohol
You can mix 70% isopropyl alcohol with 91% isopropyl alcohol and it will bring no harm. The amount of alcohol in them will almost remain the same, the only thing that will change is its volume and concentration. Mixing these two percentages will even increase its ability to kill germs and viruses in a much rapid manner.
Isopropyl alcohol FAQs
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Can you dilute isopropyl alcohol with tap water?
Yes, you can use tap water to dilute isopropyl alcohol or any other ethanol products. Diluting isopropyl alcohol with tap water will not make it safe to drink but will decrease its power so that it can be used for cleaning or any other external purpose.
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How to dilute 99 isopropyl alcohol to 91?
In terms of mathematics or statistics, you can dilute 99% isopropyl alcohol to 91% IPA by adding about 9.8% of water in it. In simple words, it can be said that just take 10 parts of 99% isopropyl alcohol and add 1 part of water to make it 91% IPA.
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What is 91 isopropyl alcohol used for?
In most cases, 91% isopropyl alcohol is widely used by people for cleaning injuries, burns, or cuts on the skin. It is considered the best product for its disinfecting and healing properties. This is efficient in healing those injuries or burns that need immediate cleaning to prevent the spread of germs.
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Is 91 isopropyl alcohol good for disinfecting?
91% isopropyl alcohol is extremely good for disinfecting and can be used on different surfaces to clean and disinfect them effectively. There is only one thing that 91% isopropyl alcohol may take a little longer to kill bacteria and germs as compared to 70% or 50% isopropyl alcohol. 91% IPA is completely safe to be used on the skin as well.
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Can I use 91 isopropyl alcohol to clean electronics?
Yes, you can use 91% isopropyl alcohol to clean electronics, computers, or any other devices. It is best to clean things but take good care while applying. Experts claim that any isopropyl alcohol concentration above 70% can be used for electronics.
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How to make 70 ethanol from 200 proof?
Put 200 proof ethanol in a bottle and mix it with water and shake the spray bottle heavily. Let it stay for some time so that water and alcohol can dispense. Talking about the ratio, add about 30% of water in the 200 proof (100% ethanol) to make it 70% ethanol.
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How to make 95 ethanol from 200 proof?
To make 95% ethanol from 200 proof, pour 95ml of 200 proof (100% ethanol) in a bottle or tube and add water until the volume reaches 100ml. This will bring you 95% ethanol in the end.
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What water to use to dilute alcohol?
You should only make sure that there are no impurities in the water and if this factor is fulfilled, you can use that water no matter what type it is. Usually, reverse osmosis, distilled, filtered, tap, cooled, or boiled water is used for alcohol dilution.