Dakin's solution is used to kill germs and prevent germ growth in wounds. This
recipe for Dakin's solution may save you money and allow you to fix only the
amount you need. Another name for this is diluted sodium hypochlorite solution
0.5%.
Supplies:
Sodium hypochlorite solution 5.25% (Clorox® or similar household bleach).
Be sure to purchase unscented bleach. We do not recommend using ultra
bleach products that are more concentrated and thicker.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Clean tap water
Clean pan with lid
Sterile measuring cup and spoons (Refer to handout on How to Sterilize
Equipment or use a dishwasher on highest setting for hot water and heat)
Sterile jar with sterile lid (see above)
Making the Solution:
1. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
2. Gather your supplies.
3. Measure out 32 ounces (4 cups) of tap water. Pour into the clean pan.
4. Boil water for 15 minutes with the lid on the pan. Remove from heat.
5. Using a sterile measuring spoon, add ½ teaspoonful of baking soda to the
boiled water.
6. Your doctor may prescribe one of several strengths. Measure bleach
according to the chart and add to the water also:
" ½
" ¼
" Full
" c
Strength
Strength
Strength
Strength
Clorox
3 oz. (or 95 ml)
3 Tbsp + ½ tsp.
1 Tbsp + 2 tsp.
2½ tsp.
(or 48 ml)
(or 24 ml)
(or 14-12 ml)
Water
32 oz.
32 oz.
32 oz.
32 oz.
7. Place the solution in a sterile jar. Close it tightly with the sterile lid. Cover
the entire jar with aluminum foil to protect it from light.
Page 2
8. Throw away any unused portion 48 hours after opening. Unopened jars can be
stored for one month after you have prepared them.
Dakin's Solution
Label:
Dilution __________________________
Label the jar with the date and time you made
Date/Time Prepared ________________
the solution.
Date to throw away _________________
Precautions:
Sample Label
Keep out of the reach of children.
If the solution is used as a mouth wash, do not swallow it.
Do not use longer than one week, unless directed by your doctor.
Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Stop use of the solution if your condition worsens, or a rash or any other
reaction develops.
Call Your Doctor If You Have:
Pain or burning sensation
Rash or itching
Redness of skin
Swelling, hives or blisters
Signs or symptoms of wound infection
Storage:
Keep the solution stored at room temperature.
Cover jar with aluminum foil to protect it from light.
Be sure the jar lid is tight for storing.
If you would like more written information, please call the Center for Health Information at
(614)293-3707. You can also make the request by e-mail: health-info@osu.edu.
©
Copyright, (8/2002)
Department of Inpatient Nursing
The Ohio State University Medical Center
<
Upon request all patient education handouts are available in other formats for people with special
hearing, vision and language needs, call (614) 293-3191.

This might be a good place to discuss Dakin's Solution (again). Typically regular strength Dakin's Solution is 1 oz Chlorox, 10 oz distilled water, 1/2 tsp baking soda or Boric acid. When mixed using clean rinsed (with distilled water) container, the solution (properly sealed) can be stored for years. Label: Dakin's Solution Regular Strength. The solution can be diluted to 1/2 or 1/4 th strength if you intend to use as a nasal irrigation for sinus infection. Dakin's Solution can be used freely on wounds and skin (surface) infection. Other that oral/sinus rinse, DO NOT take internally.

Just a quick question doc and/or Johnny, is it good for years or a month unopened ?
Thanks to both of you for the posts.

Hmmm - from what I remember from Chemistry, Oh So Many Years Ago, is that on the one hand, Sodium Hypochlorite + Water + Baking Soda, will result in a Basic (pH > 7.0), While Sodium Hypochlorite + Water + Boric Acid MAY result in anything from Slightly Basic to quite Acidic (pH range say 5.0 - 7.5?)...

Doesn't the body like slightly acid? That is what all the Skin and Hair Purveyors have been telling us forever...

Help me out, Doc/CFI?

Unopened, the distilled water formula should be good for about 6months. You could still use it in a life/death situation much later. In general, if you have access to Chlorox I'd make it fresh for each infection/injury. Chlorox itself loses potency (unopened) in about 6 months.

The most common formula given for Dakin's is the baking soda version. I lean toward the Boric acid formula. Yes, the body likes slightly acidic medium better. Both the baking soda and Boric acid are really included just as buffers. (Please don't ask me to explain that!) I betcha I took Chemistry (I was a Chem/Bio double major in pre-med) longer ago than y'all.

1972 for me, you Young Whippersnapper! And that was in College - I also took it in High School, bout 1969!

HandLoad wrote:1972 for me, you Young Whippersnapper! And that was in College - I also took it in High School, bout 1969!

La de da...I was already in dental school in 1971.....I peg the 'Old Fart' meter.

<<<Bows to the Old Fart>>>>

All hail the old farts.........