99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is one of the purest forms of alcohol available on the market and is used in any circ*mstance where a lesser concentration would be impractical or ineffective. 99% has a number of uses which we’ll explore below, but includes as a cleaner for electronics, for removing oils and fats, and as a disinfectant.
The United States is the currently largest global consumer of IPA, though it is used all around the world. Asia (particularly India), Africa, and the Middle East are expected to show higher than average global growth rates, albeit from a smaller consumption base, over the next five years.
In addition to being used as a cleanroom cleaning agent, isopropyl alcohol can be found in many everyday products such as inks, paint thinners, general-purpose cleaners, windshield thawing agents, and disinfectants, since it is so effective in killing bacteria and viruses. 99% isopropyl alcohol has an extremely high purity grade.
What is 99% isopropyl alcohol used for?
99% isopropyl alcohol is used:
- To clean surfaces, both alone and as a component of a general-purpose cleaner, or as a solvent. 99% isopropyl alcohol has the benefit of being non-corrosive to metals or plastics, so it can be used widely, on all surfaces, and won’t leave smears, even on glass or screens.
- As an industrial cleaner because it does not leave a residue that may cause complications in manufacturing. Water is a necessary component in most cleaning products, but some electronics and other components cannot come into contact with water. 99% isopropyl alcohol not only cleans these surfaces but evaporates incredibly quickly, leaving the component residue-free.
- To prevent infection from relatively minor surface wounds, such as cuts and scrapes, and is extensively used in the tattoo and piercing industry.
- For disinfecting in pharmaceutical labs, hospitals, and other medical locations. Alcohol is well known for its disinfectant properties, but solutions under 50% significantly lose their effectiveness. 99% isopropyl alcohol is so effective it is suitable for medical and lab-grade applications.
- In paint thinners and inks as it is an effective thinner and can be used in paint strippers.
- In windshield thawing agents, since it “defrosts” frozen liquid.
- To clean clients’ nails in the beauty industry prior to fake nail application or a manicure. When the nail is completely clean, any nail varnishes, polishes, or other accessories adhere much more easily
What are the benefits of using 99% isopropyl alcohol?
Besides its effectiveness as a disinfectant – which is one of the key benefits for many, 99% IPA evaporates quickly and cleanly, leaving behind no significant or notable residues. While its rapid evaporation does reduce its shelf life, it also makes it one of the most effective agents against sticky residues, grease, and grime.
It is commonly used across a large number of industries, and due to modern manufacturing systems that now produce superior grades of IPA in high yields, expansion in market supply has fueled innovation in water-sensitive applications.
The only downside of 99% isopropyl alcohol is that, understandably, it needs to be used and stored properly. In this concentration, it is highly flammable, may cause dizziness if used in high quantities in an ill-ventilated area, and can be an irritant to skin and eyes. Of course, it should also never be ingested.
99% isopropyl alcohol can be used in a range of applications but is the most effective and popular within manufacturing. With so much or our world becoming digitalized or a “smart” device, the need for 99% isopropyl alcohol will likely increase.
FAQs
99% isopropyl alcohol is used: To act as a solvent, a general-purpose cleaner's ingredient, or to clean surfaces. 99% isopropyl alcohol won't corrode metals or plastics, so it can be used extensively on all surfaces without leaving stains, including glass and screens.
What to use 99% isopropyl alcohol for? ›
99% isopropyl alcohol is used: To clean surfaces, both alone and as a component of a general-purpose cleaner, or as a solvent. 99% isopropyl alcohol has the benefit of being non-corrosive to metals or plastics, so it can be used widely, on all surfaces, and won't leave smears, even on glass or screens.
What is 99% ethanol used for? ›
Anhydrous ethanol is commonly used as a cleaner and solvent in laboratories and specialized industries contexts, where water reacting with other chemicals present would be a problem. An example would be the electronics industry, where sensitive equipment may be seriously damaged by coming into contact with water.
Can I use 99% isopropyl alcohol on electronics? ›
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.
What is isopropyl alcohol mainly used for? ›
Isopropyl alcohol is used in antifreeze products, as a solvent for gums, shellac and essential oils, and in quick-drying inks and oils. It can also be found in body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It is used in the manufacture of acetone, glycerol and isopropyl acetate.
Can you touch 99 isopropyl alcohol on skin? ›
Isopropyl alcohol is undiluted and this makes it more hazardous, and it is not appropriate for home use. People should not apply isopropyl alcohol to the skin for any reason, as it can pass into the bloodstream and cause poisoning.
When should you not use isopropyl alcohol? ›
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).
Can you add water to 99 isopropyl alcohol? ›
To dilute 99% isopropyl alcohol to 70%, follow this simple recipe: Measure 100ml of 99% isopropyl alcohol. Add 41ml of distilled water. Mix gently.
Can you use 99 isopropyl alcohol on cuts? ›
Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide or Alcohol? FALSE. Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap.
Can I use 99 isopropyl alcohol for hand sanitizer? ›
Of course, you can buy prepackaged hand sanitizer, but you can also make your own at home. You'll need a few ingredients: 4 cups of isopropyl alcohol, also called rubbing alcohol (99%) ¼ cup household hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Many products can damage the phone, especially the screen, and the list of what not to use to clean a phone is long. Do not use window and kitchen cleaners, as they may damage the protective coating on your screen. Do not use rubbing alcohol, paper towels, compressed air, dish soap or vinegar.
How long does it take for 99 isopropyl alcohol to evaporate? ›
Isopropyl alcohol with a high concentration (>90%) can typically evaporate in under 1 minute, which is why it's considered ideal for things like cell phone repair or electronics cleaning. Because it evaporates so quickly there's no lingering moisture and you can continue with your repair almost immediately.
What is the best alcohol for cleaning? ›
You can buy rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. 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.
What happens when you mix water and isopropyl alcohol? ›
What to expect. Alcohol makes swirly patterns as it goes into the water. When stirred, the alcohol completely dissolves into the water. Oil stays in a layer on the surface of the water.
What is the true use of isopropyl alcohol? ›
Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with water for use as a rubbing-alcohol antiseptic. It is also used in aftershave lotions, hand lotions, and other cosmetics. In industry it is used as an inexpensive solvent for cosmetics, drugs, shellacs, and gums, as well as for denaturing ethanol (ethyl alcohol).
What drug is isopropyl alcohol used for? ›
Isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O), also known as rubbing alcohol, is an alcoholic mixture intended for external use as an antiseptic; it usually contains 70% by volume of absolute alcohol or isopropyl alcohol; the remainder consists of water, denaturants, and perfume oils; used as a rubefacient for muscle and joint aches and ...
What is 100% isopropyl alcohol used for? ›
Cleans sticky grime and residue: Use 100% Isopropyl Alcohol Straight. Perfect for cleaning computer screens, phones, iPad screen, and is non-streaking: Use 100% Isopropyl Alcohol Straight. General window cleaner: Use 100% Isopropyl Alcohol Straight. Removes ink: Use 100% Isopropyl Alcohol Straight.
Is 99 isopropyl alcohol safe for screens? ›
Rubbing Alcohol: It's not recommended to use alcohol to clean the most of monitor screens because it contains corrosive substances to damage the coating on the LCD panels.
Does 99% isopropyl alcohol sterilize? ›
99% alcohol also evaporates too quickly before it can even take effect. Because of this evaporation rate, the solution doesn't have enough time to penetrate cell walls and kill bacteria. Hence, 99% alcohols are not good for sanitizing the hand and other surfaces.
