When rubber is exposed to isopropanol, it can cause swelling, cracking, and other forms of degradation. The rubber can become less elastic and lose its flexibility. Over time, exposure to isopropanol can cause the rubber to become brittle and eventually break down.
Isopropyl alcohol is often recommended due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria and removing oils without causing damage to silicone. It's important to avoid stronger solvents like ethanol or methanol, which can be too harsh and potentially degrade the silicone material over time.
DIY cleaners: Mix warm water with mild dish soap. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners: These can damage the floor.
When exposed to ethyl alcohol, rubber materials can soften, swell, become brittle, and/or experience a loss of strength. Ethyl alcohol can also cause rubber to swell and become sticky, which can be a major issue in certain applications where the rubber needs to maintain a snug fit.
When rubber is exposed to isopropanol, it can cause swelling, cracking, and other forms of degradation. The rubber can become less elastic and lose its flexibility. Over time, exposure to isopropanol can cause the rubber to become brittle and eventually break down.
Petroleum-based solvents can and will attack synthetic rubber parts (some silicones are very resistant, however) and should be avoided. Alcohol-based cleaners can be a good alternative, and are available as sprays and liquids.
► Isopropyl Alcohol may affect the liver and kidneys.
No – isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same thing. Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol and is a colorless liquid with a musty, sharp odor. There are no other ingredients in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water.
The good news is, if used correctly, isopropyl alcohol (70% by volume) is a good sanitizer. The bad news is it is a very poor cleaner. Although it has a small effect on some salts and grease, it has no detergent properties, which means it doesn't clean well.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
Dish Soap and Warm Water: A simple mix of 1 cup of dish soap (without bleach, oils, or moisturizers) in 1 gallon of warm water can work wonders. This solution is gentle on rubber and effective in removing dirt and grime.
It has been known for over 50 years, however, that most plastic materials dissolve in alcohols and that, in order to keep alcohols pure, any contact with plastics should be avoided [15].
I have used oil of wintergreen and 70% isopropyl alcohol in a ration of 3 parts alcohol to 1 part wintergreen. I soaked the rubber air filter to carb connectors for 2 days and they came out soft and supple.
Reaction with Solvents
Certain solvents can dissolve or weaken silicone sealant. Solvents such as acetone, alcohol, and mineral spirits can degrade the sealant, making it less effective at providing a tight seal.
To smooth silicone caulk, just lay down a nice bead with your caulk gun, then spray a mist of rubbing alcohol on the bead. (The spray head from many different products will fit on the alcohol bottle.) Now, prepare yourself for magical results as you smooth the bead with your finger.
Isopropyl alcohol removes oils, adhesives, fingerprints, soldering flux and other contaminants, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. However, it is important to note that only alcohol with a grade of 90% or more should be employed on circuit boards and other internal electronics.
Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%.
In general, vodka is a safer choice for use on most fabrics, but rubbing alcohol can be more effective in situations where stronger disinfection is needed. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific cleaning needs and the fabric being cleaned.
What to expect. Alcohol makes swirly patterns as it goes into the water. When stirred, the alcohol completely dissolves into the water.
It leaves no residue, evaporates quickly relative to water, and does not cause corrosion. It is low toxicity compared to alternative solvents and is similarly relatively environmentally benign, being ozone safe with excellent “green solvent” scores.
Surgical spirit, also known as rubbing alcohol is a liquid solution commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. It is composed of isopropyl alcohol, water, and other additives including castor oil and methyl salicylate.
Hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and sulfuric acid also attack and negatively impact Buna-N rubber. Lastly, benzoic acid negatively impacts EPDM rubber seals. Alkali: The combination of alkalis and rubber is harmful to rubber. This is because alkalis have a pH greater than 7 (the opposite of acids).
Rubber is a wonderfully useful and malleable material. Like most materials though, rubber degradation will eventually occur over time due to common environmental factors like heat, light and ozone.
When exposed to ATF, rubber components may experience swelling, softening, and discoloration due to its high viscosity and low solubility. Additionally, the rubber can become brittle and crack due to its low flexibility, leading to eventual failure.