Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating General Isopropanol 70% vs 99% for cleaning/disinfecting

  • Bill_Toge

    Member
    February 14, 2020 at 10:13 pm

    either for cleaning, but 70% works better for disinfection as it evaporates more slowly, so the contact time is longer

  • Pharma

    Member
    February 16, 2020 at 8:58 am
    Also, killing bacteria/fungi requires some water whereas killing viruses works better with pure alcohol.
    Cleaning fat/oil or electronics (by dipping) is better with pure isopropanol. For labware, cell phones, screens etc. 70% has proven very practical & helpful.
  • LuisJavier

    Member
    February 16, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    Is hydrogen peroxide not the best for cleaning residual fatty surfaces on metal jugs used to make creams? 

  • Pharma

    Member
    February 17, 2020 at 8:33 am
    Hydrogen peroxide solubilises (i.e. cleans) the same things as water. Fats ain’t water soluble but partially soluble in isopropanol.
    Ammonia is sometimes used to remove grease but given its smell you might opt for alternatives.

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