Rubbing Alcohol - Disinfectant Uses

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is commonly used as a disinfectant to clean and sanitize surfaces or medical equipment.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available at pharmacies and online retailers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Rubbing Alcohol FAQ


Image credit: longbeachsurgical.com

What is rubbing alcohol used for?

Rubbing alcohol is no one-trick pony - when it comes to cleaning your home, it has a multitude of uses, including stain removal and hand sanitiser. Below you'll find all the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project. 2 What is isopropyl alcohol?

Is rubbing alcohol ethanol based?

Rubbing alcohol is either an isopropyl alcohol or an ethanol -based liquid, with isopropyl alcohol products being the most widely available. The comparable British Pharmacopoeia ( BP) is surgical spirit. Rubbing alcohol is denatured and undrinkable even if it is ethanol-based, due to the bitterants added.

What is rubbing alcohol used for in Australia?

In Australia, rubbing alcohol can be found in most households and is commonly used for cleaning wounds, surfaces, and equipment. It is also a popular choice for sanitizing hands due to its powerful antibacterial properties. One of the key characteristics of rubbing alcohol is its ability to kill bacteria on contact.

What is rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is also known as cleaning alcohol because of its use in removing germs, bacteria, and ingrained dirt. Made from 70% isopropyl, the rest of the solution is mixed with water so it doesn’t evaporate quickly on the skin. It’s the second most common kind of alcohol that we use, with the first being drinking alcohol.

What does rubbing alcohol look like?

Rubbing alcohol is colourless and looks a lot like water, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rubbing alcohol is one of the main ingredients in hand sanitiser.

Is rubbing alcohol toxic?

When rubbing alcohol is ingested either pure or added to beverages, the result is toxic — with symptoms lasting longer than those seen after drinking ethanol (alcoholic beverages), because isopropyl alcohol is slowly metabolized to acetone, another toxic substance. Csaky, T. Z., & Barnes, B. A. (1984).

Rubbing Alcohol References

If you want to know more about Rubbing Alcohol, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

Are there any OTC options that can help prevent ear infections?

Explore OTC products or strategies that may aid in preventing ear infections and discuss their efficacy.