Which alcohol disinfects better: 70 or 95-96 percent?

It has always been a matter of interest which of the disinfectants used to protect against viruses are more effective. But in recent days, questions about this are becoming more relevant in connection with the threat of the coronavirus. First of all, experts recommend washing hands often with soap and alcohol.

e-tibb.az tried to clarify the questions about whether 95-96 or 70 percent alcohol is more effective at such a moment. Experts believe that 70 percent alcohol disinfects almost as well as 95-96 percent alcohol, while drying the skin less.

As a disinfectant, alcohol enters any microbial cell and chemically reacts with proteins, causing their denaturation and cell death. Apart from alcohol, there are many remedies that have this property and with them the same result is obtained. Different disinfectants affect proteins in different ways. Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide cause their oxidation, and mineral acids and alkalis cause their hydrolysis. Phenol-containing preparations cause coagulation, and alcohol causes protein denaturation.

It is noted that 95-96 percent ethanol is mostly used to sterilize surgical instruments. Before the operation, 70 percent alcohol is enough to clean the wounds, hands, and the patient's body. The surface of the skin disinfected with this alcohol also revives faster. It penetrates worse into deep pores where microorganisms can remain.

In general, alcohol has a disinfecting effect after a concentration of 40 percent.

e-tibb.az tried to clarify the questions about whether 95-96 or 70 percent alcohol is more effective at such a moment. Experts believe that 70 percent alcohol disinfects almost as well as 95-96 percent alcohol, while drying the skin less.

As a disinfectant, alcohol enters any microbial cell and chemically reacts with proteins, causing their denaturation and cell death. Apart from alcohol, there are many remedies that have this property and with them the same result is obtained. Different disinfectants affect proteins in different ways. Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide cause their oxidation, and mineral acids and alkalis cause their hydrolysis. Phenol-containing preparations cause coagulation, and alcohol causes protein denaturation.

It is noted that 95-96 percent ethanol is mostly used to sterilize surgical instruments. Before the operation, 70 percent alcohol is enough to clean the wounds, hands, and the patient's body. The surface of the skin disinfected with this alcohol also revives faster. It penetrates worse into deep pores where microorganisms can remain.

In general, alcohol has a disinfecting effect after a concentration of 40 percent.