What do we know about Alum as an alternative for sanitizer?
What do we know about Alum as an alternative for sanitizer?
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Alum (also called potassium alum or aluminum potassium sulfate) has been widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and even textiles, but it has not been tested against viruses. While alum has some antimicrobial and anti fungal properties, it has not been shown to be an effective alternative for sanitizer or disinfectants. It is possible that there might be research, in the future, regarding the use of alum as an anti-viral disinfectant and cleaner, but the current literature does not support its use as an alternative to those on the EPA List N disinfectants with claims against Emerging Viral Pathogens.
Alum (also called potassium alum or aluminum potassium sulfate) has been widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and even textiles, but it has not been tested against viruses. While alum has some antimicrobial and anti fungal properties, it has not been shown to be an effective alternative for sanitizer or disinfectants. It is possible that there might be research, in the future, regarding the use of alum as an anti-viral disinfectant and cleaner, but the current literature does not support its use as an alternative to those on the EPA List N disinfectants with claims against Emerging Viral Pathogens.
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What our experts say
Alum (also called potassium alum or aluminum potassium sulfate) has been widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and even textiles, but it has not been tested against viruses. While alum has some antimicrobial and anti fungal properties, it has not been shown to be an effective alternative for sanitizer or disinfectants. It is possible that there might be research, in the future, regarding the use of alum as an anti-viral disinfectant and cleaner, but the current literature does not support its use as an alternative to those on the EPA List N disinfectants with claims against Emerging Viral Pathogens.
Alum (also called potassium alum or aluminum potassium sulfate) has been widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and even textiles, but it has not been tested against viruses. While alum has some antimicrobial and anti fungal properties, it has not been shown to be an effective alternative for sanitizer or disinfectants. It is possible that there might be research, in the future, regarding the use of alum as an anti-viral disinfectant and cleaner, but the current literature does not support its use as an alternative to those on the EPA List N disinfectants with claims against Emerging Viral Pathogens.
Context and background
To ensure the efficacy of disinfectants or cleaning agents, multiple tests need to be conducted to establish that the substance in question can kill multiple bacteria, virus and/or fungi. Alum has, in some studies, shown the ability to kill bacteria, but has not shown efficacy against enveloped viruses like COVID-19.
To ensure the efficacy of disinfectants or cleaning agents, multiple tests need to be conducted to establish that the substance in question can kill multiple bacteria, virus and/or fungi. Alum has, in some studies, shown the ability to kill bacteria, but has not shown efficacy against enveloped viruses like COVID-19.
Resources
- Review of Alum and Sundry Application (ACTA Scientific Microbiology)
- Review of Alum and Sundry Application (ACTA Scientific Microbiology)
