How to make disinfectants – Dettol

Back to: Pre Vocational Studies Primary 6

Welcome to class!

Hello my careful student! I’m so happy to have you back for another practical lesson. Today, we’re going to talk about “how to make disinfectants,” focusing on making a Dettol-like solution at home. This means creating your own cleaning agent that kills germs. It’s like mixing ingredients to make a cleaning potion! Let’s begin!

How to make disinfectants – Dettol

Making your own disinfectant can be a useful skill, especially when you need a quick cleaning solution. However, it’s important to be very careful when handling chemicals and to always have adult supervision.

Here’s a recipe for making a Dettol-like disinfectant at home:

What you will need:

• Chloroxylenol: This is the main active ingredient in Dettol that kills germs. This chemical can be harmful if not handled properly, so adult supervision is absolutely essential.
• Pine oil: This adds a pine scent and also has some disinfectant properties.
• Castor oil: This helps to mix the oils with water.
• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA): This is a solvent that helps to dissolve the other ingredients. This is flammable, so adult supervision is required.
• Water: To dilute the mixture.
• A large container: To mix the ingredients.
• A stirring spoon or stick: To mix the ingredients.
• Measuring equipment: To measure the ingredients accurately. This is very important for safety.

Steps (Adult Supervision Required for ALL Steps):

1. Mix the oils: In your large container, carefully measure and combine the chloroxylenol, pine oil, and castor oil. Stir well to mix them together. Adult supervision is required for handling chloroxylenol.
2. Add the alcohol: Carefully measure and add the isopropyl alcohol to the oil mixture. Stir well. Adult supervision is required for handling isopropyl alcohol.
3. Add water: Slowly add water to the mixture while stirring continuously. The mixture will turn milky white.
4. Mix thoroughly: Continue stirring until all the ingredients are fully mixed and the solution is uniform.

Important Safety Tips:

• Adult supervision is absolutely essential for this activity.
• Chloroxylenol and isopropyl alcohol are flammable and can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Do not mix with bleach. Mixing with bleach can create dangerous fumes.
• Use in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use on broken skin or open wounds. This solution is for disinfecting surfaces, not for direct use on skin.
• Always dilute the solution before use. A typical dilution is 1:20 (1 part disinfectant to 20 parts water).

Let’s use an example. Imagine you are making the disinfectant with your parent or guardian. They would carefully measure the chloroxylenol, pine oil, castor oil, and isopropyl alcohol, mix them together, and then slowly add water while stirring. They would make sure to follow all the safety precautions to avoid any accidents.

So, to summarize, making your own Dettol-like disinfectant can be useful, but it’s very important to handle the chemicals carefully and always have adult supervision.

Evaluation 

• Why is adult supervision essential for making disinfectants? 
• What are some safety precautions you should take when making and using disinfectants? 

Excellent! You’re doing a fantastic job! I’m so proud of your learning. Remember, safety is always the most important thing when handling chemicals. Keep up the amazing work!

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