General Questions
Is Vanodine for human use?
How much do I dilute these products?
Benefits of Vanodine over Betadine (Povidone Iodine)
Difference between FAM and Vanodine?
How long does Vanodine last?
How do I know when it is no longer effective?
I have white rabbits - will Vanodine stain them?
Can Vanodine be used for household cleaning?
Can you add essential oils to Vanodine?
Will it stain grout and fabric?
Does it kill bacteria and viruses inside the animal when used in drinking water?
Does Vanodine kill parasites in cages and food/water dishes?
If it gets into a septic system will it kill the 'good' bacteria
V.18 is used as fly repellent?

Is Vanodine for human use?
No. Vanodine is for external animal use only. It is not for use directly on animal skin, is not for eyes or wounds or nose.

How does it work?
V.18 and FAM contain 3 things: Iodine / Surfactants / Acids. Iodine is the biocide (disinfecting) component.  Iodine based disinfectants kill viruses much quicker than most other disinfectants.  The Surfactant component, controls the release of iodine in the dilution and improve the penetration of iodine on soiled surfaces.  This is why you typically do not need to pre-scrub dirty areas before application (like Bleach or Betadine). The iodine remains active as it works its way through the dirt on the surface.  As the surfactant penetrates organic matter, iodine is carried along with it and released continually and evenly.
Finally there is acid.  Acids are used to stabilize the iodine compound and to main the low pH necessary to kill fungus and viruses.  Acid also prevents ‘hard water’ from affecting the disinfectant abilities.  For this reason, Chlorhexidines and similar disinfectants do not work well against viruses, pseudomonas or with hard water.  All 3 of the Iodophore components help V.18 and FAM do their job effectively. 

What is the difference between FAM and Vanodine?
FAM is the stronger version of Vanodine. It can be used in large amounts for large animal use. It can also be used for small amounts as long as it is diluted properly. Overall FAM is more effective. Note: FAM is NOT FAM30. Fam30 has a higher iodine content than FAM and is no longer authorized for import into the United States which is why we do not offer it.

What is the difference between Betadine and Vanodine ?
Here is the direct answer from Evans regarding this question -
PVP iodine and Iodophor Iodine are two entirely different formulations. PVP stands for poly vinyl Pyridlidone which is a molecule which contains 10 % Iodine by weight so a formulation with 10 % PVP will contain 1%
free iodine. V18 Contains 1.8% iodine.

An iodophor is a chemical complex of iodine with surfactant ( a kind of detergent ). The two products are release iodine differently PVP releases it immediately. Iodophors release iodine in a controlled manner.
PVP based products like Betadine are antiseptics not disinfectants, they can be safely used on the skin and are only effective in killing organisms on relatively clean surfaces, they have no ability to resist organic matter / soiling and are easily inactivated.

Iodophors are designed to kill organisms in heavily soiled conditions and the surfactant allows the iodine to penetrate absorbent surfaces. Iodophors are not designed for skin contact ( because of the acids )
although in very dilute solutions they make effective water disinfectants.

V18 will have much higher performance than Betadine.

How long does Vanodine last?
Vanodine has a shelf life of 3 years as long as it is kept in a cool place completely out of the sun.

How do I know when the Vanodine is no longer effective?
That's the nice thing about Vanodine and FAM! When the solution is no longer effective it will change color. As long as it remains a dark brown to amber color it is working. It will lighten considerably when it is no longer active and is time to get a new batch.

I have white rabbits. Will Vanodine stain them ?
Vanodine products are not for use directly on the animal. It a cage and equipment disinfectant. Once it is dry it shouldn't discolor your animal. But since you can spray and air mist while the animal is still in the cage - that could get on their coats and cause discoloration.

Is Vanodine for household use?
Vanodine is an animal health disinfectant, designed for using in cages and pens and water systems. Sorry it's not suitable for household use.

Can you add essential oils to Vanodine?
Fragrance should not be added since it will alter the disinfection properties and cause oil emulsification which may impair the surfactants.

Does it stain grout and fabric?
It will stain certain plastics fabrics and grouts.

Does it kill bacteria and viruses inside the animal when used in drinking water?
No it does not. Drinking water sanitation is for disinfection of the water itself from spreading disease and other things which may be shared from animal to animal. It will not kill a disease which is already internal to the animal.

Does Vanodine kill parasites in cages and food/water dishes?
No it will not kill 'living animals' such as mites, worms, fleas etc. It does kill disease causing pathogens such as bacteria in water. It kills the fungus 'ringworm' and a broad spectrum of viruses.

If Vanodine gets into a septic system will it kill the 'good' bacteria?
The sheer volume of organic material in a septic tank quickly neutralizes the Iodine. The only type of disinfectant which can upset septic tanks is based on a substance called Quaternary Ammonium. These are inhibitory at low concentrations and therefore tend to slow down the waste breakdown in the tank. Iodine is not inhibitory, it kills on contact until it is neutralized or converted chemically into an non biocidal iodine compound. The waste solution will help to kill bacteria in the drain system on its way to the septic tank, but that's all.

Can Vanodine be used as a fly repellent ?
No it does not work as a fly repellent. It can be used in misters in order to kill bacteria in the air, but is not helpful as a fly repellent.

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