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Your Questions Answered Frequently Asked Questions > What is Milton made of? > Hypochlorites are known to be unstable. Is Milton any different? > Hypochlorite is bleach, which is toxic. Is Milton toxic also? > What are the main properties of Milton? > It is known that Milton can be used as a disinfecting agent, but can it sterilise? > What is the difference between Sterilisation, Disinfection and Antisepsis? > Thrush is a common problem in babies. Will Milton kill thrush? > What happens if a child swallows Milton? > Can Milton be used for other applications other than for sterilising a baby's feeding equipment? > Does the Milton bottle provide a measure for making accurate dilution? > For how long should a baby's feeding utensils be sterilised? |
 What
is Milton made of? Milton
Fluid is made of an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite and 16.5%
sodium chloride.Milton Fluid with a red label is the original 1% sodium Phypochlorite and is only supplied to hospitals and health authorities. Milton found in retail outlets is twice the strength at 2% sodium hypochlorite. |
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Hypochlorites are known to be unstable. Is Milton any different?Yes, the
purification process during the manufacture of Milton ensures complete
removal of all heavy metal ions, which would normally act as a catalyst
to chemically breakdown many hypochlorites, causing instability. Therefore
accurate levels of available chlorine can be obtained with Milton.
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Hypochlorite is bleach, which is toxic. Is Milton toxic also?No. As
stated above, toxicity in hypochlorites is due to the by-product of
their decomposition, sodium chlorate. With the heavy ions removed Milton decomposes into water and a small amount of sodium chloride (salt). |
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What are the main properties of Milton?Stability.
Non Toxicity. |
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| It
is known that Milton can be used as a disinfecting agent, but can
it sterilise?Milton
will sterilise as long as the requirements for chemical sterilisation with hypochlorites is carried out. These are: (a) Scrupulous attention to pre-cleansing of the item to be sterilised. (b) Stability and lack of toxicity of the active agent. (c) That the article to be sterilised is of a material compatible with hypochlorite and is so constructed that it can be cleaned properly. The Milton Method of cleaning bottle and teats incorporates these requirements. |
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| What
is the difference between Sterilisation, Disinfection and Antisepsis?Official
publications give the following definitions: (ref. Collins, C. H.
and Lyne,P. M., 1976) Sterilisation: This is an absolute term meaning complete destruction or removal of all viable micro-organisms. Disinfection: Describes the elimination or destruction of micro-organisms, but not usually bacterial spores. Generally applied to the process of making inanimate objects free from infection and safe to handle. Antisepsis: Destruction of micro-organisms, but not bacterial spores, on skin, mucus membrane or living tissue to prevent sepsis. Milton Fluid can be considered in terms of each of these actions depending on the specific situation or application. Therefore a work surface can be wiped over with Milton to disinfect it by killing all 'live' bacteria, but it cannot be sterilised in this way. To sterilise an object it has to be scrupulously cleaned then soaked for the required time in a solution of Milton. This will kill spores. |
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Thrush is a common problem in babies. Will Milton kill thrush?Milton
will kill thrush within ten minutes. Milton will not cause thrush
by killing off the normal commensal bacteria in the mouth. As soon
as any Milton on a teat touches protein either in the bottle or in
the mouth, it is neutralised into a small amount of salt. |
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What happens if a child swallows Milton?Because
of the salt in the solution in the bottle, the child will usually
spit the fluid out, or at worst become sick. If they are not sick,
there is no need to worry but a concerned parent can give the child
a drink of milk. Milk being protein will neutralise the Milton. |
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Can Milton be used for other applications other than for sterilising a
baby's feeding equipment?You don't
have to have a baby to use Milton. Because it is safe and not toxic,
Milton can be used to disinfect kitchen work surfaces, chopping boards,
wiping out fridges, microwaves, storage containers, pet bowls and
bins. It can also be used to soak fruit and vegetables where the microbiological
safety of such items is suspect. |
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Does the Milton bottle provide a measure for making accurate dilution?The cap
on the new Milton bottle has two measuring marks inside it. The lower, continuous line measures 15ml. The dotted line measures 25ml. |
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For how long should a baby's feeding utensils be sterilised?Plates
and dishes should be sterilised up until the baby's 1st birthday and
bottles and teats for as long as baby is using them. |
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