user1 Posted March 7, 2007 just wondering if anybody knows an alternative to isopropyl alcohol for sterilizing surfaces in the inoculation/sterilization process, not sure where to get it. methylated spirits? normal disinfectant? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirty Old Man Posted March 7, 2007 70% metho 30% water is perfect for sterilisation purposes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ENtiTY Posted March 7, 2007 (edited) Go to your local supermarket and pick up a bottle of Isocol. Its a green bottle with a cartoon croc on it. Its called rubbing alcohol and is about 65% isopropanol. Thats what I use. [EDIT: typos!] Edited March 7, 2007 by Harry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyAmine. Posted March 8, 2007 Isocol smells funny so it must have a lor of other stuff in it. Best to buy 100% iso from discksmiths, even comes in a spray bottle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ENtiTY Posted March 8, 2007 Its just some smelly stuff to mask the iso odour i think. Had no problems using it for cleaning benches, needle tips and spawn containers etc. Didn't know about the dicksmith stuff, will check it out. Got about 4L of the stuff from an online electrical place a while ago, bit pricey for cleaning so I used the Isocol instead and saved the pure stuff for solvent. I've seen it at bunnings to, was about 80% can't remember what it was used for though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
user1 Posted March 8, 2007 yeah thanks guys. gives me a few more options to look at. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonny Deformed Posted March 8, 2007 70% metho 30% water is perfect for sterilisation purposes. Cheap too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fezza Posted March 8, 2007 If you are after the medical grade Isopropyl alcohol go to a pharmacy, 500ml retails for about $25. But I'd rather stick to what DOM said. 1 litre of metho retails for a couple of dollars. You can even put it in a spray bottle. I'm rather intrigued though, why have the 30% water? why not 100% metho? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirty Old Man Posted March 8, 2007 It has been proven that 30% water makes it more effective. I think it helps it get absorbed through the cell walls/membranes of spores/bacteria etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ENtiTY Posted March 8, 2007 Yeah metho would be the weapon of choice. That is if your GF doesn't crack a spack at ya for the smell. Dosen't bother me but aparently she finds it unbearibley offensive. Wouldn't of thought that iso would be any better, no complaints though. Strange and mystical creatures those femme. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Humanfuel Posted March 9, 2007 ....why not just go get from your local Chem Supply Store......!!!! (have a look in the yellow pages....!!!!!) ...I bought a litre of isopropyl alcohol for about $20..... and I bet it's the purest your gonna find anywhere out there....!!!!! .....I went in with cash...... and no one asked any questions......!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apothecary Posted March 9, 2007 Yeah I believe hospitals have studied the best water/alcohol ratio and 30/70 gives the best results. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wallace Posted March 9, 2007 30/70 works best because it takes longer to evaporate giving the alcohol more time to steralize. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
watertrade Posted March 9, 2007 Dirty old man has it right, its to do with higher % alcohol not penetrating cell walls as effectively. As a Note Isopropyl alcohol is more effective than Ethanol (metho) as a sterilizer but I don't think we would see much difference in our 'bucket' home chem labs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
