Contents:
- Quats
- Isopropyl Alcohol (Iso)
- Bleach
- Povidone Idodine
- Chlorhexidine
Quats
Quat-based disinfectants carry a positive charge. Bacteria, viruses and fungi carry a negative charge. When a bacteria-laden surface is sprayed or mopped with a disinfectant, the charge distribution of the bacteria cell changes from negative to positive. This results in the disruption of the bacteria cell wall and eventual death to the microbe.
Quats (Frequently in wipe form) are the current standard for Grinders who are looking to sanitize their stuff.
Isopropyl Alcohol (Iso)
Easily available and a good cleaning agent. 70% is ideal as it's cheaper and will leave a surface sanitized after 6-7 minutes. Higher concentrations evaporate too quickly but do work a bit faster. Good for cleaning the implant site and tool. For tools allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes at least.
Bleach
This is good for cleaning a work surface but not ideal. At your local drug store they will likely sell sanitizing agents that will better clean the surface and be less obnoxious. Bleach is very noxious and can make you ill from the fumes. It is also highly reactive so it can react with other cleaning agents, amongst other things, to cause other problems. It is however great for killing bacteria, so for things like a chemostat it is good to act as a chemical sterilizer for the waste line.
Povidone Iodine
Another great over the counter, it's easy to get and is great for cleaning the site of incision. Used often in the medical field it is the reason most surgeries leave the area an orange brown. It's easy to see what you've cleaned and areas you missed and works well to sterilize the surface. And you may even get a bit of an iodine boost.
Chlorhexidine
Commonly found at piercing shops, it's all the fun of iso, with non of the pain. When iso is used the nerves in the exposed wound become so sensitive to heat your own body temperate sets them off, hence the uncomfortable burning sensation. Chlorhexidine works well to sterilize an area, without that nasty side effect. It usually comes in the form of pre-packaged wipes which adds to the ease of use.