Surface disinfection has been brought into sharp focus in times of Covid 19, but it has been part of our protocol for cleaning of dental clinic for long. A question often asked is, ‘ How to dilute surface disinfectant?’
We will use Sodium Hypochlorite as an example here to illustrate. To know more about use of Sodium Hypochlorite as a surface disinfectant, CLICK HERE
Dilution formula
C1 x V1 = C2 x V2
- C1 – Concentration of available Sodium Hypochlorite (3%/5%)
- V1 – Volume of 3% / 5% solution you need to use
- C2 – Concentration of Sodium Hypochlorite you want (1%)
- V1 – Volume of 1% Sodium Hypochlorite you want.
Let’s see how to make 100ml of 1% surface disinfectant.
To make 100 ml of 1% Sodium Hypochlorite you will need:
Using the dilution formula
- 5% x V1 = 1% x 100mL
- V1 = 20mL
So, you need 20mL of 5% Sodium Hypochlorite to make 100 mL of 1% Sodium Hypochlorite.
For ease I will give a chart for ready reference
To make 100mL of 1% Sodium hypochlorite
| For 5% | 20mL |
| For 3% | 33.33mL |
How to dilute surface disinfectant?
- Use a mask, rubber gloves, and waterproof apron. Goggles also are recommended to protect the eyes from splashes.
- Mix and use sodium hypochlorite solutions in well-ventilated areas.
- Mix sodium hypochlorite with cold water because hot water decomposes the sodium hypochlorite and renders it ineffective.
- To measure 20mL, all we need is a measuring jar or even a 20/10mL syringe which is readily available in our clinics. To this, 80mL of water is added, to make a 100mL of 1% Sodium hypochlorite.
Diluted and freshly prepared Sodium Hypochlorite should be kept in a closed and dark container, away from the sunlight and out of reach of children. Always remember to label them including the date of preparation.
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