Right now we have a huge issue taking place worldwide and this is causing panic and chaos everywhere. People are rushing out to get their hands on anything and everything possible and some of those things that people are trying to get their hands on are alcohol and bleach.
Alcohol
Alcohol is effective against killing off a wide range of germs and most bacteria including mycobacteria. This is really only effective in concentrations above 70%. Alcohol has also been shown to be effective in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with pandemic viruses such as Influenza, Ebola, SARS, Coronavirus, and has some activity against Norovirus.
Alcohol is often used to disinfect small surface areas such as door knobs / handles, personal items, and things of that nature. It is occasionally used to clean larger surface areas like countertops, desks, and so on. However, due to it being very flammable, it is best to limit its use as a surface disinfectant to small surface areas and make sure it is used in a well-ventilated space.
Using alcohol as a prolonged disinfectant can cause hardening and cracking of skin, rubber, and some plastics. If used to sanitize personal items, it can also cause discoloration after repeated uses.
Bleach
Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant as well as a great alternative if you can’t get your hands on alcohol. Bleaches' active ingredient is sodium hypochlorite and it is highly effective in killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Diluted household bleach can disinfect surfaces within 10-minutes and 60 minutes of contact time. It is also widely available at a low cost and is recommended for surface disinfection at many health care facilities.
However, bleach irritates mucous membranes, the skin, and the airways. It decomposes under heat and light and reacts easily with other chemicals. Therefore, bleach should be used with caution; and in a nice open area where ventilation is occurring in an adequate and consistent manner. Improper use of bleach, including deviation from recommended dilutions (either stronger or weaker), may reduce its effectiveness for disinfection and can injure yourself as well as others around you.
Well, there you have it, a little breakdown between the two cleaning chemicals. If you have any questions or would like to get your hands on some sanitizer or bleach-based cleaning wipes you can find them on our site as well as other helpful cleaning products.
Catch you guys later, stay safe out there, keep all your common areas clean and make sure you and your loved ones wash your hands frequently.
