Ever wondered why nearly every DNA or RNA column protocol calls for an ethanol wash?

It’s not just a rinse; it’s a critical step that makes or breaks the sample purity. Ethanol doesn’t just pass through the column. It plays a precise role in keeping the nucleic acids bound while flushing out the unwanted, like salts and enzymes.

We’ve broken it down in a short, science-backed guide to show you how ethanol works behind the scenes to protect your results and why skipping it could sabotage your downstream success.