Exploring the Differences between 70% and 99% Alcohol The differences between 70% and 99% Alcohol
Alcohol is a powerful disinfectant and cleaning agent, but not all varieties are created equal. This article takes a closer look into the differences between 70% and 99% alcohol - two concentrations often used for different purposes.
Understanding Alcohol Strength
Alcohol strength, or the proof, is determined by the ratio of alcohol to water contained in a beverage or chemical. Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of alcohol, the stronger the product and the greater its cleaning power.
The differences between 70% and 99% Alcohol 70% alcohol solutions consist of 70 parts of pure alcohol mixed with 30 parts of water, while 99% alcohol solutions have 99 parts alcohol mixed with 1 part water.
Application of 70% and 99% Alcohol
With this in mind, one should consider the application of 70% and 99% alcohol. The differences between 70% and 99% Alcohol 70% alcohol solutions possess less potency than 99% alcohol solutions but are still effective against germs and bacteria, making them a popular choice for hand sanitizers and many household and industrial cleaning products.
The 99% alcohol solutions, on the other hand, are more suitable for disinfecting surfaces and objects, as well as for laboratory applications such as DNA extraction. One can buy isopropyl alcohol at 99% .
Pros and Cons
It is important to note that, while both alcohols can disinfect and clean surfaces, depending on the job, one might be more effective than the other. The differences between 70% and 99% Alcohol 70% alcohol solutions require longer contact time to be effective against certain types of bacteria, as compared to 99% solutions, while the latter can cause skin irritation in some people more quickly.
Summary
In conclusion, both 70% and 99% alcohol solutions possess anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties; however, one should consider the job at hand before deciding which to use. 70% alcohol solutions are ideal for everyday use, whereas 99% alcohol solutions are more suitable for more specialized tasks such as laboratory applications.