Why rubbing alcohol functions as an antiseptic

Rubbing alcohol is not as concentrated as pure alcohol, so even though it coagulates protein just as well, it acts more slowly.

This slower action gives the alcohol time to soak into the complete bacterial cell before coagulation takes place. Consequently all of the cell's protein is coagulated, and the bacteria dies.

So when you want to disinfect something, reach for the rubbing alcohol, because by taking just a little more time to work, it does the job better. Give Now ». Noon Edition. This increases the potency of its antimicrobial properties. Viruses with an envelope structure Fenner et al. However, other viral structures like the norovirus cannot be killed with any concentration of alcohol Sattar, When using alcohol to disinfect or sanitize an area, it is advised that the overall germ-killing properties will be enhanced if the area is cleaned first.

The cleaning step will help to physically remove any physical soil dirt, grim , thereby minimizing the amount of soil and protein material that can reduce the potency of the alcohol CDC, Reference list: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viome specializes in gut health testing kits — but do they actually work? Find out everything you need to know and more. Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with substances added to make it unfit for human consumption.

Here's how it's different from I isopropyl alcohol. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Differences in composition In hand sanitizer As disinfectants Other differences Solutions vs. Is ethyl alcohol the same as isopropyl alcohol? Ethyl vs. Other differences between ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Why does alcohol work as an antiseptic and disinfectant? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Rubbing Alcohol vs. A person can apply one to the body to relieve pain, swelling, and fever. People choose green cleaning products to avoid chemicals that may harm their health and the environment. Learn about some of the best green cleaning…. Find out the best way to disinfect your phone with this….

What uses does rubbing alcohol have? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Disinfecting tick bites. Share on Pinterest People can use rubbing alcohol after removing a tick from the skin. Caring for pierced ears. Reducing body odor. Deodorizing shoes.

Creating homemade room deodorizer. Creating homemade ice packs. Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces. Disinfecting sponges and cloths. Cleaning and sanitizing electronic devices. Cleaning jewelry. Alleviating nausea after a medical procedure. When to avoid using rubbing alcohol. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Can rubbing alcohol get rid of acne? Making hand sanitizer at home: What to know. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

How to make and use a cold compress.