Oklahoma Barber Practice Exam

The recommended solution for disinfecting combs is 70% isopropyl alcohol or a hospital-grade disinfectant. This concentration of isopropyl alcohol is effective in killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a reliable choice for disinfecting tools in a barbershop.

Using 70% isopropyl alcohol is particularly effective because this concentration has been shown to penetrate microbial cell walls better than weaker solutions, ensuring that the disinfectant can effectively kill pathogens. Additionally, hospital-grade disinfectants are specifically formulated to meet stringent standards of microbial kill rates, making them suitable for use in professional settings like barbershops, where sanitation is crucial.

Other solutions, such as a mixture of 50% isopropyl alcohol with water, do not achieve the desired efficacy for disinfection; regular soap and water do not provide sufficient germicidal action on their own; and bleach, while a strong disinfectant, can damage combs and other tools if not used properly and may require careful handling to ensure safety.