Dakin’s solution is a powerful antiseptic that has been used for over a century to treat infected wounds. Originally formulated during World War I by Henry Dakin and Alexis Carrel, this “old-school” remedy remains a staple in modern wound care due to its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (McCullough & Carlson, 2014; StatPearls, 2024).
This guide provides the medical-grade recipe for Full-Strength (0.5%) Dakin’s Solution using 1 liter of water, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 90ml (approximately 3 ounces) of bleach.
The Official Dakin’s Solution Recipe
To ensure the solution is safe and effective, you must follow specific sterilization steps.
Ingredients & Equipment
• Water: 1 liter (roughly 4 cups) of tap water.
• Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): 1/2 teaspoon.
• Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite): 90ml to 95ml of regular, unscented household bleach (5.25% concentration).
• Sterile Container: A clean glass jar with a tight lid.
• Aluminum Foil: To protect the solution from light.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Boil the Water: Place the 1 liter of water in a clean pan, cover with a lid, and boil for 15 minutes to ensure it is sterile (StatPearls, 2024).
2. Cool and Mix: Remove the pan from the heat. Using sterile measuring spoons, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
3. Add Bleach: Carefully measure and add 90ml to 95ml of bleach (StatPearls, 2024).
4. Store Correctly: Pour the solution into your sterile jar and seal it tightly. Wrap the entire jar in aluminum foil; sodium hypochlorite is light-sensitive and will degrade quickly if exposed (StatPearls, 2024).
5. Label: Mark the bottle with the date and time of preparation.
What is Dakin’s Solution Used For?
Dakin’s solution is primarily used as a topical antiseptic for various skin and soft tissue injuries. It works by releasing hypochlorous acid, which has a potent antibacterial effect (StatPearls, 2024).
• Infection Control: It is highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli (McCullough & Carlson, 2014; Wounds International, 2024).
• Wound Debridement: It helps dissolve necrotic (dead) tissue, hastening its separation from healthy tissue (StatPearls, 2024).
• Specific Conditions: Doctors often prescribe it for:
o Infected cuts, abrasions, and lacerations.
o Pressure ulcers (Stages I through IV).
o First- and second-degree burns.
o Post-surgical wound irrigation.
Important Precautions
While effective, Dakin’s solution must be used with caution:
• Toxicity to Healthy Tissue: High concentrations (greater than 0.025%) can be toxic to fibroblasts, the cells responsible for wound healing (Cardile et al., 2014; Wounds International, 2024). For this reason, it is often used for short-term “clean-up” rather than long-term maintenance.
• Protect Surrounding Skin: Apply a barrier like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the healthy skin around the wound to prevent irritation and chemical burns (StatPearls, 2024).
• Shelf Life: Homemade Dakin’s solution should be thrown away 48 hours after opening (StatPearls, 2024). Unopened, light-protected jars may last up to one month.
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Published on: May 8, 2026
Location: Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute
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References
McCullough, M., & Carlson, G. W. (2014). Dakin’s Solution. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 73(3), 254-256. https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0b013e3182a634f7 Cited by: 38
StatPearls. (2024). Dakin Solution. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507916/
Wounds International. (2024). Top ten tips: putting medications in their place.