Sterilization of worktable and culture room

Several chemicals viz., ethyl alcohol, mercuric chloride, sodium hypochlorite, phenols, iodine, formalin, potassium permanganate etc., are normally used for surface sterilization of work table. The duration of treatment varies depends on the nature of the material to be treated and concentration of the agent used. Ethyl alcohol is normally used at 50 % concentration. Mercuric chloride and sodium hypochlorite are used at 0.1 % concentration.  Usually potassium permanganate and formalin are mixed at 1:2 ratio for fumigating culture rooms or mushroom sheds. After mixing the rooms should be closed tightly to avoid escape  of fumes from the room and open after 24 hr.