You probably already know that there are at least two types of alcohol: the kind you can drink and the kind you can’t. We often assume that’s the end of it, and that all disinfectants use the same kind of alcohol.
But not all alcohols are created equal.
There are actually 3 types of alcohol used in hand sanitizers, and knowing the difference will help you choose the disinfecting products that will best protect your employees and clients.
1. Methyl Alcohol
Spoiler Alert: You do NOT want to find this in your disinfecting solutions. Even though Methyl alcohol is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and even in our digestive system, it’s extremely poisonous when absorbed or ingested. This is the kind of alcohol you’ll find in antifreeze, adhesives, and biodiesel, so it’s no wonder why we don’t use it in our KCD products! Plus, it’s the weakest when it comes to killing bacteria, so you won’t find it in many other household products either.
2. Isopropyl Alcohol
When you walk into the First Aid aisle of a pharmacy, you’ll start seeing the word “Isopropyl” everywhere you look. This antiseptic cleans wounds and prevents infections, though you can certainly feel the sting as it cleans! While Isopropyl alcohol is an effective bacteria-killer, there are certain viruses that Isopropyl can’t break down. This alcohol also evaporates quickly. If it’s not slowed down with enough water, Isopropyl can evaporate before fully killing the germ cells, leaving them alive enough to form a new protective shell and rendering them even stronger.
3. Ethyl Alcohol
Now we land on everyone’s favorite alcohol: the kind you can drink. But when it’s used in disinfectants and sanitizers, Ethyl alcohol can do way more than help you cut loose. This grain-derived alcohol is an extremely potent germ-killer that destroys virtually all kinds of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Ethyl alcohol also doesn’t evaporate quite as quickly as Isopropyl and is more effective against viruses. Plus, Ethyl alcohol has a more pleasant scent than the pungent Isopropyl, which can be harmful to inhale.
When we weighed the pros and cons of these alcohols, we chose the germ-fighting power of Ethyl alcohol for our Safety Cleanze hand sanitizer because it’s the most thorough clean for your clients and employees.
For more information on the 3 types of alcohol, you can read the CDC’s article on Chemical Disinfectants.
Get maximum germ destruction wherever you go.
