Ethanol can kill bacteria, fungi, various viruses. This is done by denaturing the proteins and by dissolving the lipids. For this reason ethanol (62% by volume) is used for sterilisation of hand.Ethanol can kill bacteria, fungi, various viruses. This is done by denaturing the proteins and by dissolving the lipids. For this reason ethanol (62% by volume) is used for sterilisation of hand.