isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is very useful for cleaning. It’s one of the most effective and versatile cleaning agents available. Here’s how and why it’s used:
🧼 General Cleaning Uses
- Electronics: Safely cleans keyboards, screens, circuit boards, and phone surfaces because it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
- Glass and Mirrors: Leaves a streak-free shine.
- Metal and Plastic Surfaces: Removes grease, fingerprints, and grime.
- Tools and Equipment: Excellent for degreasing and disinfecting.
🦠 Disinfecting
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi — most effective at around 70% concentration, not 100% (a bit of water helps it penetrate cell walls better).
- Commonly used in medical, industrial, and household settings as a disinfectant.
⚙️ Tips for Use
- Use a microfiber cloth or cotton swab for precision cleaning.
- Avoid using on painted or varnished surfaces — it may damage finishes.
- Keep away from open flames (it’s highly flammable).
- Ensure good ventilation while using it.
🏠 At Home
✨ General Cleaning
- Windows, mirrors & glass: Mix 70% IPA with water (1:1) for streak-free shine.
- Kitchen surfaces: Cuts through grease and disinfects countertops, appliances, and sinks.
- Bathroom: Cleans chrome, tiles, and glass without watermarks.
- Stainless steel: Removes fingerprints and leaves a clean, polished look.
- Laundry and stains: This product is great for stain removal and deodorant marks.
🧴 Hygiene & Disinfection
- Phones, tablets, and remotes: Safely wipes away grime and kills germs.
- Door handles & switches: Great for high-touch surfaces.
- Personal items: Disinfects razors, tweezers, and nail tools.
💡 Other Handy Uses
- Remove sticker residue or adhesives — works better than most solvents.
- Clean eyeglasses (if lenses are not coated).
- Defrost or de-ice windows — spray 70% IPA on icy car windows for quick melting.
- Freshen fabrics or upholstery — kills odour-causing bacteria (test a small area first).
🧰 Business / Workshop Uses
🧽 Industrial & Technical Cleaning
- Degreasing: Removes oil, dirt, and flux residue from tools, machinery, and parts.
- Electronics: Safe for cleaning circuit boards, connectors, and sensors.
- Printing industry: Cleans rollers, heads, and ink residues.
- Automotive: Wipes down metal surfaces before painting or applying decals.
🧼 Maintenance & Disinfection
- Workbenches & tools: Wipe clean and sanitize regularly.
- Office electronics: Keep monitors, keyboards, and phones hygienic.
- First aid stations: Used as a disinfectant for minor cuts (70% solution).
⚠️ Safety Reminders
- Always use in well-ventilated areas.
- Highly flammable – keep away from heat, sparks, or open flames.
- Store in a cool, sealed container.
- Avoid prolonged contact with skin (it can dry it out).