Dakin’s Solution, an Antiseptic You Can Make at Home

July 18, 2020

First, understand that I am not a doctor and can’t give medical advice.  I am providing the formula for Dakin’s Solution for information only.

Dakin’s solution is an antiseptic solution containing sodium hypochlorite and was developed to treat infected wounds during the First World War.  At that time the stronger germicidal solutions that were available, such as phenol or iodine, either damaged living cells or lost their potency in the presence of blood serum.  Dakin’s solution avoids both problems and its solvent action on dead cells hastens the separation of dead from living tissue.

Dakin’s solution is easy to make and use.

The first thing that you need to understand about Dakin’s solution is that it is unstable and can only be kept for a few days.  The second thing is that it is easy to make from ingredients that every good prepper should have on hand.

Here is a recipe from the University of Virginia

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). 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

  • Measuring cup and spoons

  • Jar and lid

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 clean pan.

  4. Boil water for 15 minutes with the lid on the pan. Remove from heat.

  5. Using a measuring spoon, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiled water.

  6. Your doctor may prescribe one of several strengths. Measure bleach according to the char and add to the water also:

How to use Dakin’s Solution

Apply Dakin’s Solution onto the injured area by pouring or spraying.  When used on wounds, Dakin’s solution can be poured onto the affected area as an irrigation or cleanser.  It can also be used to wet certain types of wound dressings (e.g., wet to moist dressing).

This solution should only be used once a day for minor wounds and twice a day for heavily draining or contaminated wounds.  Protect the surrounding healthy skin with petroleum jelly to prevent irritation.

Tightly sealed jars of the solution may be stored at room temperature for up to one month in a dark jar, but once opened; any unused solution should be discarded within 48 hours.

If for any reason you choose to use the information to treat someone, get good medical advice from a trained professional prior to use. I am not a doctor and have not had any special medical training.

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