Why is alcohol not recommended as a surface disinfectant?

Alcohol is not recommended as a surface disinfectant primarily because it evaporates quickly and can be corrosive to certain surfaces. The rapid evaporation of alcohol limits its contact time with the surface, which is essential for effective disinfection. Disinfectants typically need to remain wet on a surface for a specific duration to ensure the destruction of pathogens. If a disinfectant evaporates too quickly, it may not achieve the necessary level of microbial kill.

Additionally, alcohol can be corrosive to some materials, especially metals and plastics that are commonly found in dental and medical settings. This can lead to damage over time, compromising the integrity of equipment and surfaces. As a result, while alcohol may have some antimicrobial properties, these factors make it a less suitable choice for surface disinfection in clinical environments.

In contrast, other disinfectants may offer longer contact times and be designed to be less damaging to various surfaces, making them more effective for maintaining a safe and hygienic treatment environment.