Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
Isopropyl alcohol, often called rubbing alcohol or IPA, is a widely used alcohol known for its antiseptic and disinfectant properties. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive, strong odor. In addition to its use as rubbing alcohol, IPA is commonly employed as a denaturant for ethanol, either on its own or as part of a denaturing blend known as Euro denatured.
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) uses
Cleaning and disinfecting
It is commonly used to clean and disinfect surfaces, medical instruments, and equipment. Its antiseptic properties make it effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
First aid
Rubbing alcohol is often used as a topical antiseptic to clean minor cuts, wounds, and scrapes. It helps prevent infection and can be used to sterilize equipment used for medical procedures.
Skin preparation
It is used to cleanse the skin before injections, blood draws, or other medical procedures to reduce the risk of contamination.
Cooling and evaporative purposes
Rubbing alcohol has a cooling effect when applied to the skin. It evaporates quickly, which can provide a cooling sensation and help relieve minor muscle aches.
Electronics and household cleaning
Due to its rapid evaporation and low water content, rubbing alcohol is commonly used to clean electronics, remove stains, and sanitise household surfaces.