Isopropyl alcohol dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds. It evaporates quickly and the typically available grades tend to not leave behind oil traces when used as a cleaning fluid unlike some other common solvents.
It is safe on most painted surfaces, plastics, and elastomers. It leaves no residue, evaporates quickly relative to water, and does not cause corrosion.
lt is common not to look for potential residues of alcoholic products as it is understood by all that these volatile products do not leave any residue on equipment after evaporation.
First, act quickly: gently dab the stain with an absorbent cloth or napkin to absorb the excess liquid. After this initial step, use a pre-treatment: apply a stain remover directly on the affected area, allowing it to work for at least 5-10 minutes. This step will help break down the alcohol residue.
Not only can rubbing alcohol alter the color of your granite and marble, it will eventually erode whatever sealer may have been applied to protect it. This could result in visible stains, scratches, and unsightly marks on your gorgeous granite or marble countertops.
Neutralization is effected by treatment with an alkaline earth metal hydroxide or with an alkali metal hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is the preferred agent for effecting neutralization.
Alcohol works as a disinfectant by stripping water from the cells of microbes. Once a surface is wiped, it takes seconds for the alcohol to evaporate from that surface, so it may disinfect on contact but it does not “hang around” to keep that surface disinfected.
Two chemicals used as disinfectants which do have an EP monograph are Isopropyl Alcohol and Ethanol, these have limits for residue on evaporation. The limit for 99% Isopropyl Alcohol is 20 ppm and 25 ppm for 96% ethanol. Both of these products would be universally accepted as leaving no residue on a cleanroom surface.
Flammable Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is a highly flammable substance, so you should never use it to clean flammable surfaces, or areas that are exposed to open flames (such as a fireplace). It's also a smart idea to steer clear of surfaces that routinely get hot.
According to the World Health Organization, all alcohol-based products are potentially flammable and therefore they should be stored away from high temperatures and flames.
Isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same. Rubbing alcohol consists of isopropyl alcohol and some water. Sometimes it contains other additional ingredients. On the other hand, isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol with little to no water and other ingredients.
You can use rubbing alcohol on some surfaces like marble, limestone, or terrazzo, but not on wood. The chemical will damage a wood finish. And while it's safe to use in a pinch on coated leather, like in your car, over time, it will damage and discolor the leather.
Its molecules will evaporate not just when alcohol reaches its boiling point, a chilly 173 degrees Fahrenheit compared to water's 212 degree Fahrenheit boiling point, but any time it is exposed to the air. Despite its ability to dissipate, “it's impossible to cook out all of the alcohol [in a dish],” says McGee.
People should not apply isopropyl alcohol to the skin for any reason, as it can pass into the bloodstream and cause poisoning. Rubbing alcohol is better for use in first aid and to sterilize small objects or surfaces.
Alcohol detection tests can measure alcohol in the blood for up to 12 hours, on the breath for 12 to 24 hours, urine for 12-24 hours (72 or more hours after heavier use), saliva for up to 12 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. The half-life of alcohol is between 4-5 hours.
Occasional, brief use of IPA products (e.g., wiping down a cell phone or counter) isn't typically a concern, but sustained wiping or spraying activities in a room or enclosed area creates risk for high exposure.
Since alcohol is flammable, limit its use as a surface disinfectant to small surface-areas and use it in well-ventilated spaces only. Prolonged and repeated use of alcohol as a disinfectant can also cause discoloration, swelling, hardening and cracking of rubber and certain plastics.
Hydrogen peroxide proves to be a fierce opponent due to its potent disinfecting components and that it holds an attractive position among the alternatives to isopropyl alcohol in various wound cleaning applications but also makes room for surface disinfection.
Yes, water does flush out alcohol, though it will not make your body metabolize it any faster. Instead, water helps to support liver and kidney function, encouraging the body to eliminate already broken-down alcohol more quickly.
50% or 70% Isopropyl Rubbing alcohol evaporates in minutes (5-7 min) after disinfecting the surface. The Fumes are not hazardous, so you can safely use it repeatedly.