isopropyl alcohol

[whatever]

We have a jug of isopropyl 99%. We are going to use it to sanitize our 3/16 tubing system. If anyone has used this before what do u dilute it to to use it?
The store where it was bought said 50/50 but that seems still strong. another friend said he has been using his jug for three years but we havent been able to confirm what he mixes it at. It's 37$ a gallon (us). it's going to be left in the drops and lines until next season. If we mix 50/50 it'll only give us 2 gallons (one sprayer full) doesnt seem like a lot of disinfectant for 200 taps. lol

[fred]

It doesn't take much. most mix at 26% for the 72 which is 3 to one. For the US guys it can't be used yet.

[DrTimPerkins]

Isopropyl alcohol (not allowed in the U.S.) is only effective as a sanitizer in the range of 50-70%. Below that the kill efficacy is nil. Above 70% it actually doesn't work really well -- a good example of too much of something is not necessarily better. You're better off shooting for the high end of that proper dilution range (60-70%) since it will get diluted to some extent with residual sap in the lines.

Centre Acer put out a nice instructional booklet on how to use IPA for sanitizing tubing. It is often available for purchase at maple equipment suppliers.

[whatever]

Thanks, much apprec.