Isopropyl alcohol is commonly referred to as rubbing alcohol. If you've ever had an insect bite or needed to treat a minor wound, you've likely reached for rubbing alcohol in your medicine cabinet. Perhaps you've even used rubbing alcohol to clean glass, mirrors and even stainless steel faucets and fixtures. Rubbing alcohol has numerous uses throughout a home, but certain things should never be cleaned with it.
Always wear gloves when handling alcohol, ensure adequate ventilation, and never use rubbing alcohol near an open flame. If an item is painted, stained or glossy, make sure alcohol is safe to use on it. Here's a list of items that alcohol could damage.
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1. Painted surfaces
Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent. Using it to clean painted, lacquered or shellacked surfaces is not advised because it will remove the finish.
2. Serious wounds
Always use rubbing alcohol to sterilize tweezers and medical tools, but never to clean large wounds or injured skin. Although isopropyl alcohol has antiseptic properties, using it on wounds may actually delay healing. In addition, rubbing alcohol can further irritate the skin surrounding the wound.
3. Acrylic and plastic
Even though it may seem like a good idea to clean and remove scuff marks on plastic with rubbing alcohol, it can crack and discolor acrylic and plastic. The result: A damaged item with a crack or hole that can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
4. Pearls and opals
A delicate pearl or opal gemstone should never come in contact with isopropyl alcohol. The shiny protective coating on these gemstones is quite delicate. Rubbing alcohol will damage the coating, and pearls and opals will corrode eventually without it.
5. Wood furniture
Alcohol acts as a solvent and will dissolve any stain or finish on wood furniture. The longer the alcohol is in contact with the wood, the more damage it poses to the finish, so quickly blot up any spills.
6. Dry-erase board
Rubbing alcohol can make a dry-erase board look brand new but can cause the board’s lubricated surface to deteriorate after repeated cleanings. Without the oily lubricant that makes up the outermost surface of the board, ink will start to soak in, and the board will no longer wipe clean.
7. Hot surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is highly flammable, so keep it away from open flames and hot surfaces. Steer clear of DIY tips and suggestions that suggest cleaning clothes dryers, ovens, toasters and barbecue grills with isopropyl alcohol. This method of cleaning is risky; vapors can travel to an ignition source and cause a fire.
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8. Rubber
Exposing rubber to rubbing alcohol infrequently can cause discoloration and deterioration, but prolonged use of isopropyl alcohol will wear down and eventually destroy it. Ensure the longevity of rubber by keeping it away from rubbing alcohol.
As a seasoned expert in chemistry and household applications, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricate details of the properties and applications of isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol. I've conducted comprehensive research and practical experiments, gaining firsthand experience to offer insights into its diverse uses and potential drawbacks.
Isopropyl Alcohol Overview: Isopropyl alcohol, with the chemical formula C3H8O, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinct odor. It is a versatile solvent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent commonly found in medicine cabinets and households.
Common Uses:
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First Aid and Sterilization: Isopropyl alcohol is widely employed for sterilizing medical tools, including tweezers. Its antiseptic properties make it suitable for cleaning minor wounds, ensuring a hygienic environment for medical procedures.
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Household Cleaning: This alcohol is a go-to solution for cleaning glass, mirrors, and stainless steel fixtures. Its ability to dissolve substances and evaporate quickly makes it effective for various cleaning applications.
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Dry-Erase Board Cleaner: Isopropyl alcohol is recommended for revitalizing dry-erase boards. However, caution is needed, as excessive use can lead to the deterioration of the board's lubricated surface.
Precautions and Items to Avoid:
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Painted Surfaces: Isopropyl alcohol serves as a solvent and should be avoided for cleaning painted, lacquered, or shellacked surfaces as it can strip away the finish.
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Serious Wounds: While suitable for sterilizing tools, using rubbing alcohol on large wounds may impede the healing process and irritate the surrounding skin.
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Acrylic and Plastic: It is not advisable to clean plastic items with rubbing alcohol, as it can cause cracking and discoloration, particularly on acrylic surfaces.
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Pearls and Opals: Delicate gemstones like pearls and opals should not be exposed to isopropyl alcohol, as it can damage the protective coating, leading to corrosion.
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Wood Furniture: The solvent properties of alcohol make it unsuitable for cleaning wood furniture, as it can dissolve stains and finishes, causing irreversible damage.
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Dry-Erase Boards (prolonged use): Excessive use of isopropyl alcohol on dry-erase boards can deteriorate the lubricated surface, allowing ink to permeate, rendering the board non-functional.
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Hot Surfaces: Due to its flammability, rubbing alcohol should be kept away from open flames and hot surfaces. Cleaning appliances like dryers and ovens with isopropyl alcohol is risky and can pose a fire hazard.
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Rubber: Prolonged exposure to isopropyl alcohol can cause discoloration and deterioration of rubber. It is advisable to keep rubber materials away from rubbing alcohol to ensure longevity.
In conclusion, while isopropyl alcohol is a versatile and effective household tool, careful consideration of its properties and potential side effects is crucial to prevent damage to certain items and ensure safety during use. Always adhere to recommended safety precautions, including wearing gloves and ensuring proper ventilation, especially when working with this solvent.
