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Bacteriology Science Fair Project

The Effect of Clorox on Bacteria

Hard
The Effect of Clorox on Bacteria | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
We wanted to know if Clorox wipes could reduce the amount of bacteria on restroom door handles. So, we collected bacteria from inside and outside door handles of homes, restaurants, and supermarkets, and then used Clorox wipes to clean the door handles.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis was that the Clorox wipes would reduce the amount of bacteria significantly.

Method & Materials

You will go to a restroom, collect bacteria from the door handle, label the swab, and then use a Clorox wipe to clean the door handle.
You will need an incubator, sterile swabs, Petri dishes, blood agar plates, a lab coat, a container of Clorox wipes, and a stopwatch.

Results

The results showed that there was about 50% more bacteria on the inside of the door handle than the outside, and the Clorox wipes reduced it 100%. There was an equal amount of bacteria in restaurants and supermarkets and there was a little less than a quarter more in the homes.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how effective Clorox wipes can be in reducing the amount of bacteria on door handles.

Also Consider

Experiment variations to consider include using a spray instead of a wipe or towel, and using a heat gun to see if it is an effective tool for killing bacteria on door knobs or other surfaces.

Full project details

You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!

Related video

Hey there! Here are some awesome videos about this science project that we think you'll really like. They're not only super fun, but they'll also help you learn more about the science behind the project. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have some fun!!
This video tests for the effectiveness of clorox wipes to kill bacteria on surfaces at home. What other control could demonstrate that the observed effects are specifically caused by the chemicals in the clorox wipes and not merely caused by physically removing the bacteria through wiping?
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