Isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol is the simplest, inexpensive, colorless, has a fairly intense odor and is considered the most suitable for cleaning. It is widely used in most health centers, such as hospitals and clinics, to clean and disinfect to combat bacteria and microorganisms.
Besides, it is a truly useful product as an antiseptic cleaner, as it can remove dust and dirt marks on various surfaces, including electronic devices, metals, and tiles. However, its use is not limited there. The uses of isopropyl alcohol in household cleaning are versatile and truly amazing.
Below we will tell you how to use it to clean and make the most of all its properties and qualities for disinfection. Take note!
What is isopropyl alcohol, and where to buy it?
Often referred to as Isopropanol, 2-propanol or IPA is a water-soluble alcohol characterized by its rapid absorption. It is a powerful disinfectant; in fact, numerous studies have shown its high effectiveness in the total elimination of bacterial agents on various surfaces and objects.
Cleaning uses of isopropyl alcohol
This substance is ideal and widely used in the industrial field. However, it must be used with extreme care for your safety and that of the other household members. It is flammable, so it should be applied away from fire; it also has a high level of toxicity, so it should not be poured on food to disinfect, and its inhalation can cause headache, irritation in the respiratory area and drowsiness.
Finally, we recommend using it as a cleaning agent to sanitize mirrors, glass, metals, electronic components, and appliances, but always wear gloves to avoid irritating the skin. Look at other applications of isopropyl alcohol in the home:
Pest elimination
With tissue and plenty of alcohol, rub objects that have been in contact with insects, parasites, or allergens with a little force (combs and pet toys are an example of this). The disinfecting action of alcohol will eradicate most microorganisms.
Stain removal
Isopropanol removes marks, dirt, and grease on oil-based paint walls, tiles, and joints, especially moisture and mildew marks. Add the liquid to the affected area and rub it with a sponge or cloth until it disappears. It also removes stains on clothing, such as pen stains and removes stains caused by oil-based ink.
Please note: dilute isopropyl alcohol in equal parts with cold water for marble surfaces. Do not apply directly!
No more bad odor
In addition to being able to sterilize, it annihilates the stench on shoes, bags, handbags, wallets, and hats. Spray a little or dampen a cloth in this product, wipe it over the surface, and notice how the bad smell disappears.
Cleaning glass objects such as windows and mirrors
This infallible ally is perfect for washing windows and mirrors, as it does not leave stains and makes your glass shine, even if it is very stained! Make a solution by mixing equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water and rub it with a tissue to remove dirt.
Used to clean screens
There is an eternal struggle between which is better for cleaning screens and which is not. Vinegar or alcohol? The answer is the latter. Isopropyl alcohol, thanks to its fast evaporation, is ideal for safely cleaning the screens of all electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, cell phones, computer monitors, digital cameras, television, lens, and countless other products. To do this, soak a microfiber cloth in this product and wipe from top to bottom so that no marks are left.
Don’t forget that the laptop or cell phone screen accumulates a huge amount of bacteria. It is advisable to disinfect them with wipes moistened with isopropyl alcohol at least once a week.
Cleaning of electronic devices
Electronic devices, such as computers, printers, or cameras, are made up of many small parts that are difficult to access and complicated to clean, as they require extreme caution and special care. Soak a cotton mop, small cloth, or soft bristle brush with a little alcohol and meticulously clean hardware components, batteries, motherboards, slots, switch chips, and so on.
Remember to do this with the appliance turned off and cold!
Fights soil germs
Being less toxic than other cleaning products, AIP is a great help in removing grease, dirt, and microbial agents from tile floors, especially in the kitchen. Dilute a little alcohol and mop the surface as you normally do.
Note: not recommended for natural wood floors.
Polishing jewelry and other metals
Many people use it to polish their blackened silver and gold jewelry. An easy and effective way to disinfect them and restore their shine is to soak them in this alcohol, let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then polish them with a microfiber tissue or a lint-free cloth.
With your everyday objects such as nail clippers or tweezers, the process is similar. Moisten a tissue or absorbent cotton with the alcohol and polish to the desired shine.