4d • General discussion
Bleach vs pesticides for de contamination
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is generally more effective and widely recommended than pesticides (including fungicides or bactericides) for general lab surface sterilization and grow room decontamination. Pesticides are designed primarily for controlling pests or pathogens on living plants, not for broad disinfection of inanimate surfaces.
Why Bleach Outperforms Pesticides for Disinfection
- Broad-spectrum action — Bleach rapidly kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, and many spores by oxidizing cellular components. Standard 10% dilutions (from household bleach) are highly effective on benches, tools, floors, and equipment in tissue culture labs and grow rooms.
- Pesticides’ limitations — Fungicides (e.g., bavistin, mancozeb) or bactericides target specific organisms on plants and lack the broad, rapid kill needed for surfaces. They may leave residues that inhibit cultures or are ineffective against diverse contaminants.
- Standard protocols — In tissue culture labs, bleach is the go-to for wiping surfaces and decontaminating waste. In grow rooms/greenhouses, bleach or similar oxidizers are used for between-cycle cleanouts to eliminate mold, bacteria, and pathogens.
Here are examples of bleach being used to wipe lab benches in tissue culture settings: 3 “LARGE” 4 “LARGE” 5 “LARGE” 6 “LARGE” 7 “LARGE” 8 “LARGE”
Spraying disinfectants (often bleach-based or similar) during grow room/greenhouse decontamination: 9 “LARGE” 10 “LARGE” 11 “LARGE” 12 “LARGE”
In contrast, pesticides/fungicides are applied directly to plants for targeted control: 0 “LARGE” 1 “LARGE” 2 “LARGE”
Occasionally, low concentrations of fungicides are added as pre-treatments for tough explants or to supplement sterilization, but they’re not a replacement for bleach on surfaces.
Bleach Alternatives (If Needed)
For less corrosive options: 70% ethanol, quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., Green-Shield), or hydrogen peroxide-based products (e.g., ZeroTol). These are effective but bleach remains the most reliable and cost-effective for thorough decontamination.
Always prepare fresh bleach solutions, allow adequate contact time (10-30 minutes), pre-clean organic matter, and rinse if needed to avoid residue. Use PPE and ventilation!
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Bleach vs pesticides for de contamination
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