---
title: "I just wanted to share some info I learned about sterilization of…"
description: "I just wanted to share some info I learned about sterilization of plant tools, like scissors and such. I went to a rare plant shop that works closely with UC…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/aGAK-4ayRFKntIfFxTpxsQ/65a48f4f4ed0701342cca4c4"
community: "Expert Level Greenspace"
author: "Claire5904"
published: "2024-01-15T01:50:07.444Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/zdyrjruk9pxkybl9y7lh.jpg"
---

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# I just wanted to share some info I learned about sterilization of…

_Posted by Claire5904 on 2024-01-15_

I just wanted to share some info I learned about sterilization of plant tools, like scissors and such. I went to a rare plant shop that works closely with UC Davis (California, near Sacramento) to cultivate and preserve different plant species. The owner advised me that rubbing alcohol alone, even if it’s 70-90%, will not sterilize your plant tools. Apparently it dries too fast to kill anything. However, HAND SANITIZER, is a perfect replacement because they use additives that help it dry more slowly like aloe. You can put hand sanitizer into a small spray bottle and it sprays a nice mist out perfectly. Just wanted to share in case anyone is battling any issues that can spread from plant to plant. I was surprised to learn alcohol was inadequate.

## 2 comments

### HDF commented on 2024-01-15

Wow. Great tip. Thanks for sharing.

### Mullein commented on 2024-01-15

Oh interesting! Thanks for the tip. I’ve definitely been using rubbing alcohol or alcohol prep pads 😅

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