Doesn't alcohol (like isopropol) have like zero surface tension? I know it evaporates super fast which is one of the factors that makes it a good cleaning agent.

[–] BallsandBayonets@lemmings.world 23 points 3 months ago (3 children)

That's actually exactly why it's a bad cleaning agent, at least for sterilization purposes. It evaporates before it can kill any microbes.

[–] Daxtron2@startrek.website 21 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Yeah if you're using high percentage isopropanol it's less effective. I think the current recommendation is 70% for sterilization purposes as it remains in contact longer. Higher percentages is more for its use as a solvent or cleaning electronics.

[–] sneekee_snek_17@lemmy.world 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I thought the 70% was recommended because it helps maintain membrane fluidity or something like that

[–] LarmyOfLone@lemm.ee 1 points 3 months ago

Yeah or something with hydrophilic properties with the water help destroy microbes. I love reading about chemistry but keep forgetting.

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