Dettol Soap Kills 99.9% Germs: Why Not 100%?

Dettol soap is known for its ability to kill 99.9% of germs on contact. But why not 100%

Dettol Soap Kills 99.9% Germs: Why Not 100%?
Photo by Jason Jarrach / Unsplash

Dettol soap is known for its ability to kill 99.9% of germs on contact. But why not 100%? It's a question that many people have asked, especially in the midst of the Ebola outbreak.

The answer lies in the nature of germs themselves. While Dettol soap is incredibly effective at killing a wide range of bacteria and viruses, there are certain strains that are resistant to its disinfectant properties. These "superbugs" are able to survive even when exposed to the high concentrations of active ingredients found in Dettol soap.

Additionally, the 99.9% effectiveness rate refers to the percentage of germs that are killed on contact. It does not take into account the potential for germs to spread or reproduce after initial contact with the soap. In other words, while Dettol soap may kill 99.9% of the germs it comes into contact with, there is still a small chance that some of those germs could survive and potentially cause infection.

It's important to remember that no soap or disinfectant can guarantee 100% effectiveness against all germs. Proper hand washing techniques, such as lathering with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, are crucial in preventing the spread of infection. In the case of the Ebola virus, it is recommended to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol in addition to regular hand washing.

For more information on the Ebola outbreak, be sure to check out ebola-cases.com and our blog. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @ebola_cases for the latest updates.