Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Author Spotlight: Microbial Control and Monitoring Strategies for Cleanroom Environments and Cellular Therapies
Published on: March 17, 2023
Use of 70% alcohol for the routine removal of microbial hard surface bioburden in life science cleanrooms
Richard Salvage1, Claire M Hull, Diane E Kelly
1MEDSA Group Ltd, Unit 2/3 RVB Park, Camffrwd Way, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA6 8QD, Wales, UK.
Abstract:
Alcohol-based disinfectants are used for the removal of microbial hard surface bioburden in Life science Cleanrooms. Evidence for using formulations containing 70% alcohol has been lost over time but probably originates from historical observations of the activity of 60-70% alcohol. Tradition is no longer adequate to inform contemporary cleaning practice. We evaluated the efficacy of ethanol, isopropanol and trade-specific denatured alcohol 7 against vegetative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus hirae using standardized European Suspension and Hard Surface tests. All three alcohols were effective at lower concentrations than the 70% standard. This constitutes the first evaluation of disinfectant formulations containing ≤70% alcohol using standard methodology. The utility of trade-specific denatured alcohol #7 and evidence-based cleanroom practice warrant further validation.
Related Concept Videos
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Key Techniques in Microbiology

