DIY hand sanitiser wipes

There are mixed reports about the effectivenes of benzalkonium chloride (the active ingredient in Zoflora and many other disinfectants) against coronavirus. At one concentration it was ineffective but a lower concentration was more effective. Currently it's not being recommended.

"Data obtained with benzalkonium chloride at reasonable contact times were conflicting. Within 10 min a concentration of 0.2% revealed no efficacy against coronavirus whereas a concentration of 0.05% was more effective. In contrast, 0.02% chlorhexidine digluconate was basically ineffective."

Reference given to original article: "Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents"

Yes, I was aware that benzalkonium chloride wasn't very effective, which is why I'd not bothered with any of the conventional 'handwashes' available. But if Zoflora is inflammable, it suggested to me at least that it had a high alcohol content and might be effective for that reason, with any effect due to benzalkonium chloride being a bonus. Neat Zoflora certainly dries the skin. If it wasn't for the pyridine in meths, whose smell I don't like, I'd happily use it in place of Zoflora. Handwashing is not ruled out.

MSDS says

Ethanol 65-75%

Benzalkonium chloride <3%

Methanol <3%

Plus various pongs/oils depending what 'flavour' zoflora you have ...

Ah, so I was right, it is mostly alcohol.

With ice and lemon?

Even a stopped clock is correct twice a day; and Turnip was tipping household bleach days ago

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

When used on the hands it does smell a bit but is reminiscent of swimming pools. Which may or may not be a bad thing I suppose.

michael adams

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There are lots of things that can disinfect, bleach included. Those that think sanitiser is hard to find just don't know a lot about bug killing chemicals.

Be aware that some skins are very bleach tolerant, some aren't. I suspect it's generally very dry skin that isn't, but not sure.

NT

When I was at the hair-dressing suppliers last week, I bought a few extra bottles of hydrogen persoxide. At 0.9% it's astonishingly effective against Covid. Peroxide mouthwashes use 3.0% without ill effect.

I have the impression (not checked) that hydrogen peroxide is a better wetting agent which is where bleach fails quite badly and needs a detergent if it's used as a surface cleaner against matter.

I found it simpler to order a pack of medical grade hand wipes online. They don't yet seem to be in such demand.

Good call. Hydrogen peroxide (around £1.50 for 200ml) is the main ingredient in many ear wax removal products at around £5 for 12ml; which is why I've got a bottle of it sitting in the drawer. You have to tell the chemist its for mouthwash theough as they don't like serving smartarses out to save money.

michael adams

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I'm very fortunate as my hands seem to be tolerant to most things except caustic. Acetone, ammonia, turps polyester resin, engine oil, paint , meths, I'm never in a mad rush to get them off.

And in any case if your hands were all sore there'd be less temptation to scratch your face with them

michael adams

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Until you become sensitized to one of them.

Wow! You've actually used it in anger?

You've tested it?

This may be of interest:

Well yes, but then should it happen, I'll take the appropriate measures obviously.

Oh and there was one I forgot, printer ink. Only to point out how surprisngly quickly it wears off of your hands of its own accord, after only a further couple of hand washings.

Or maybe I've just got highly resistant skin,

michael adams

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Google to see test outcomes. It's also covered in the WHO's "Laboratory Biosafety Guidance Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019".

I gave the finding of published research. Some labs found an even lower concentration of 0.5% was sufficient.

The cheapest hydrogen peroxide is probably for hair dying. You can get a

Were they hairdressers as well?

;-)

You should speak to Spike, he?ll get you a job ?consulting? for the government.