Ethyl vs.

isopropyl alcohol as a home cleaning product

According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, ethyl is generally considered
superior to isopropyl alcohol, but both types of alcohol are effective at killing flu and cold viruses.

A 2021 studyTrusted Source published in The Journal of Hospital Infection found that isopropyl or ethyl
alcohol in concentrations of 62 to 80 percent was very efficient at disinfecting surfaces from the virus
that causes COVID-19.

Other differences between ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol

Ethyl alcohol is safe for consumption in small amounts when it’s consumed in alcoholic beverages. But
alcohol is linked to numerous negative health effects and over-consuming ethyl can lead to alcohol
poisoning.

Drinking isopropyl alcohol is extremely dangerous and can easily lead to alcohol poisoning. It’s about
twice as potent as ethyl alcohol. It’s estimated that about 250 milliliters (8.5 fluid ounces) is lethal to
humans. In some cases, as little as 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) can be fatal.

What’s the most effective alcohol concentration solution?

A concentration of about 70 percent isopropanol or ethyl alcohol is most effective for killing germs.

In general, solutions with 60 to 90 percent water tend to be more effective at killing viruses than
solutions with concentrations outside this range. Weaker concentrations are noticeably less effective
because less alcohol comes into contact with germs.

Stronger concentrations may be less effective because there’s not enough water. Water is needed to
increase contact time with viruses and slow down evaporation.

Why does alcohol work as an antiseptic and disinfectant?

Alcohol destroys germs by breaking down fats and proteins that they need to survive.

The exact mechanism of isopropyl alcohol’s ability to break down germs isn’t known, but it’s thought to
break down proteins and the DNA that viruses, bacteria, and other germs need to survive. It’s also
thought to dissolve the fat and protein that make up their protective outer membrane.
Ethanol kills germs in a similar way, by breaking down their essential fats and proteins they need to
survive.