Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 13/04/2018 13:04:39

Title: Can detergent kill bacteria?
Post by: katieHaylor on 13/04/2018 13:04:39

Nico asks:

How does detergent kill bacteria?

Can you help?

Title: Re: Can detergent kill bacteria?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 14/04/2018 17:20:19

Detergents aren't very toxic to bacteria, they can mostly survive it. Detergents are primarily used to remove fats and oils from surfaces that would otherwise provide a growth medium for bacteria.

Title: Re: Can detergent kill bacteria?
Post by: Bored chemist on 14/04/2018 22:09:40

It rather depends on what detergent you choose.
Some of the quaternary ammonium compounds are used as biocides as well as detergents.
They kill many bacteria by disrupting the  cell membranes.