Those guidelines recommend 60-95% ABV (and note that effectiveness drops off sharply below 50%) but also report that at least some pathogens are killed in secon

Those guidelines recommend 60-95% ABV (and note that effectiveness drops off sharply below 50%) but also report that at least some pathogens are killed in seconds with exposure to 40% ethanol. If all you have to disinfect your ad hoc instruments is brandy, then use it: way better than nothing.