Cologne And Virus: A Scented Solution?

Turkish cologne, or kolonya, has been used as a hand sanitiser since the late 1800s. With an alcohol content of up to 80%, it is considered as effective as handwashing with soap at destroying the coronavirus. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish government ordered manufacturers to increase production capacity. However, it's important to note that not all colognes are created equal—to be effective against viruses, a cologne must contain at least 60%-70% alcohol.

Turkish cologne as a disinfectant

Turkish cologne, or kolonya, is a disinfectant that has been used for sanitising hands in Turkey since the late 1800s. It is an ethanol-based scented disinfectant that is commonly used as a hand sanitiser and has been found to be effective in killing viruses, including the coronavirus.

Kolonya is derived from the German 'Cologne Water' or 'Kölnisch Wasser' and the French 'Eau de Cologne', which were first produced by a German cleaner named Paolo de Feminis in Germany's Cologne province in the 1600s. It was initially used to get rid of malodour but soon became a staple household product in Turkey. The cologne was introduced to Ottoman-Turkey during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II between 1876 and 1909, and it has since become an integral part of Turkish hospitality and culture.

The standard variety of kolonya is lemon-scented, but other varieties include tobacco, orange blossom, hazelnut, and anchovy extracts. Kolonya is traditionally offered to guests, who use it to freshen up and wash their hands. It is also commonly used in public spaces such as on public transport and in shops.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for Turkish cologne surged as people recognised its effectiveness in destroying the coronavirus due to its high alcohol content. The Turkish government had to step in and put limits in place to ensure that local needs were met. Turkish cologne manufacturers also increased their production capacity to combat the pandemic.

Cologne as a hand sanitiser

Cologne has been used as a hand sanitiser for centuries, dating back to the 1600s when it was first produced by a German cleaner named Paolo de Feminis in Germany's Cologne province. The ethanol-based scents and sanitisers were originally created to get rid of malodour, but their high alcohol content also made them effective at killing germs.

Turkish Cologne

Turkish cologne, or kolonya, has been used as a hand sanitiser in Turkey for many years. It is a staple in Turkish households, and it is common for hosts to offer guests a few drops of the scented spirit as part of their hospitality. Turkish cologne is particularly high in alcohol, with an alcohol to essential oils ratio of 80-20, and is therefore effective at destroying germs, including the coronavirus.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish government guaranteed the availability of kolonya at normal prices, and all cologne manufacturers in Turkey increased their production capacity to help combat the spread of the virus.

Commercial Fragrances

Commercial fragrances such as Eau de Toilettes and Eau de Colognes generally contain at least 70% alcohol, making them just as safe and effective as hand sanitisers. This has created an unexpected link between the perfume industry and the pharmaceutical sector.

History of Hand Sanitisers

The use of alcohol as a steriliser dates back to ancient times. The word "alcohol" itself is derived from the term "al kohl", which refers to the metallic element Egyptians used to treat eye infections over five thousand years ago. Other ancient civilisations such as Rome and Greece also used alcohol to treat wounds.

Modern hand sanitisers as we know them today were invented in 1966 by a nursing student named Lupe Hernandez, who discovered that alcohol could be delivered in a gel form without the need for soap and water. However, the use of hand sanitisers did not become popular until the early 1990s when companies like Purell began to market them to the general public.

Cologne with high alcohol content

Colognes, particularly Turkish colognes, or kolonya, are known to have a high alcohol content, ranging from 60 to 80 percent. The high alcohol content in colognes is what gives them the power to destroy germs and viruses, including the coronavirus.

The use of cologne as a sanitiser dates back to the late 1800s in Turkey, where it is a staple household product used for hand sanitisation and as part of their greeting rituals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for Turkish cologne surged as an alternative to hand sanitisers. The cologne is often sprinkled or poured into the palms of guests as a welcoming gesture and is also commonly offered in public spaces such as buses and the subway.

The effectiveness of Turkish cologne in killing the coronavirus is attributed to its high alcohol content, which can reach up to 80 percent. This concentration of alcohol burns the virus, rendering it harmless. In addition to its sanitising properties, Turkish cologne is also known for its pleasant scent, with lemon being a popular fragrance.

While cologne can be an effective sanitiser due to its high alcohol content, it is important to note that the presence of other ingredients and the concentration of fragrance oils can impact the overall effectiveness. The ratio of alcohol to essential oils in kolonya can be as high as 80-20, making it a powerful tool in combating the spread of viruses.

The history of kolonya dates back to the Ottoman Empire, and it has since become an integral part of Turkish culture and hospitality. The Turks added their unique ingredients, such as lemon, rosemary, orange blossom, and bergamot extracts, to the original formula, creating a product that is not only effective but also pleasant to use.

Cologne and perfume as disinfectant alternatives

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitiser and disinfectant products became essential to prevent the spread of the virus. However, as these products began to sell out in stores, people started looking for alternative disinfectant solutions.

Turkish Cologne

Turkish cologne, or kolonya, has been used as a disinfectant and hand sanitiser for centuries. It is a staple in Turkish households and is often offered to guests as a welcoming gesture. During the pandemic, the Turkish government guaranteed its availability at normal prices, and all manufacturers increased their production capacity.

Turkish cologne is high in alcohol, with an alcohol-to-essential-oils ratio of up to 80-20. This high alcohol content gives it the power to destroy 80% of germs, including the coronavirus.

Eau de Toilettes and Eau de Colognes

Commercial fragrances such as Eau de Toilettes and Eau de Colognes generally contain at least 70% alcohol, which is effective against the coronavirus. A spritz or two into the hand can be used as a disinfectant when handwashing with soap and water is not possible, and hand sanitiser is unavailable.

It is important to note that while these fragrances can be used as disinfectant alternatives, the best option is still to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Cologne and vodka as sanitizers

Cologne as a Sanitizer

Cologne has been used as a disinfectant for a long time. In the past, it was used by doctors and paramedics as an antiseptic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cologne was used as a hand sanitizer, especially in Turkey, where it is known as "Kolonya". It has a high alcohol content (60-80%) and is therefore effective at killing viruses, including the coronavirus.

Vodka as a Sanitizer

Vodka is a neutral spirit with a high alcohol content, usually around 40% by volume. This gives it antiseptic and solvent properties, making it useful for cleaning, disinfecting, and breaking down various substances. Vodka can be used to clean kitchen appliances and surfaces, remove bathroom grime, and shine chrome fixtures. It can also be used to remove stains from upholstery and kill weeds. Additionally, vodka can be used as a natural hand sanitizer when mixed with aloe vera gel and essential oils.

Precautions

When using cologne or vodka as sanitizers, it is important to take some precautions. These substances should be kept away from children and pets and should not be mixed with bleach or other cleaning chemicals. They should also be used in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes, and they should be kept away from heat sources as they are flammable.

Frequently asked questions