To test a homemade (DIY) disinfectant formula, Round Rock TX-based Antimicrobial Test Laboratories (ATL) conducted a modified version of the ASTM E2315 Suspension Time-Kill procedure. The test evaluated the efficacy of the test formulation against two different microorganisms, S. aureus and E. coli. 

 

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Saline with no inherent antimicrobial properties was used as a control in order to determine the initial bacterial concentration. Bacterial concentrations were also measured after 30 seconds and 5 minutes of treatment with the DIY formula. When compared to the control, treatment with the test formulation resulted in some reduction in the numbers of both test microorganisms after both 30 seconds and 5 minutes. The product performed better against E. coli than it did against S. aureus overall. The test demonstrated that the DIY formula is less effective than ordinary chemical disinfectants. Based on laboratory experience, EPA-registered disinfectants or sanitizers tested in the same manner will produce a 5 log reduction (>99.999%) within 5 minutes. The greatest log reduction observed for the DIY product was 0.96 after 30 seconds of treatment against E. coli.

 

Please use this formula in a well-ventilated area.

 

 

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About Benjamin Tanner, PhD

Benjamin Tanner holds a B.S. in Molecular Biology and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Arizona, where he studied environmentally mediated disease transmission and assessed infection risks for workers. Dr. Tanner is the founder and principal of Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC, a microbiology laboratory that specializes in testing and development of disinfectant chemicals and other antimicrobial technologies.