Mycelium WorksCultivation tools & knowledge
StageInoculationColonizationFruitingHarvestingProcessing
Sterilization & Cleaning

Isopropyl Alcohol

70% alcohol for wiping surfaces, tools and gloves between every step.

Illustration of a isopropyl alcohol
Typical specifications
Working strength70% (not 91%)
Contact time30 seconds minimum
Use onSurfaces, tools, gloves, ports
Not forSterilising grain or substrate
FlammableYes — keep from flame
StorageSealed, away from heat
Sterilization & CleaningSmall to large batches

Overview

Isopropyl alcohol at 70% concentration is the standard surface disinfectant for mushroom work. It kills bacteria and mould spores on contact once the surface stays wet for at least 30 seconds. It is not a sterilant — it does not penetrate or kill endospores — but it is indispensable for the surfaces and tools you handle constantly.

Primary stage: Inoculation

Where it fits in the grow

Used before and during every inoculation and transfer procedure.

Safety & handling

Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and its vapour is heavier than air. Never spray it near the alcohol lamp, and let surfaces dry fully before introducing a flame. Use in a ventilated room.

Practical advice

Seventy percent cleans better than ninety-one. Water is what carries the alcohol into the cell wall, and a higher concentration evaporates too fast to kill.

Educational only. Mycelium Works does not sell this or any other product, and we receive no payment for listing it. Specifications vary by manufacturer — always follow the maker’s instructions and local regulations.
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