An Iodophor is a preparation containing iodine

Iodine

Iodine is a chemical element with the symbol I and atomic number 53. The name is pronounced , , or . The name is from the , meaning violet or purple, due to the color of elemental iodine vapor....

 complexed with a solubilizing agent, such as a surfactant

Surfactant

Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, or that between a liquid and a solid...

 or povidone (forming povidone-iodine). The result is a water-soluble material that releases free iodine when in solution. Iodophors are prepared by mixing iodine with the solubilizing agent; heat can be used to speed up the reaction.

Commercial Use

Diluted iodophor is often used by brewers and winemakers to sanitize equipment and bottles. Its major advantage over other sanitizers is that when used in proper proportions it evaporates directly from solution to gas, and hence leaves no residues. However, it can also leave unattractive orange-brown stains on plastic parts and equipment that it is left in contact with.

It is often supplied in different concentrations and is further diluted with water before use. The label will advise the appropriate dilution ratio, commonly 1:1000 or 1:100. Equipment to be sanitized should be thoroughly clean and left in contact with the solution for at least 2 minutes.

Diluted iodophor is also used extensively in the dairy industry.

External links and references

Streaming mp3 from BasicBrewing.com with interview of Murl Landman of National Chemicals (BTF Iodophr)

Article written on use of iodophor in home brewing

A complete guide to cleaning and sanitation

Wescodyne, a common laboratory disinfectant iodophor