Rubbing Alcohol - Uses

Uses

Rubbing alcohol can be applied as a cooling, soothing application for bedridden patients and athletes. It is also widely used for cleansing surgeons' hands and instruments and for the disinfection of skin prior to penetration by a hypodermic needle. As an antiseptic, it is good against vegetative bacteria and fair against fungi and viruses, but is ineffective against spores. Welders also use rubbing alcohol to clean welding surfaces before welding. This removes oils and impurities on the surface. It is widely believed by the general public that 99% isopropyl alcohol provides the greatest reduction in bacterial count; however, this is incorrect, as there does not appear to be significant differences beyond a 60% concentration. Rubbing alcohol is also a feeble anesthetic and a mild counterirritant. It is not drinkable, although people have been known to attempt ingestion.

Rubbing alcohol is recognized as a rubefacient because it evaporates quickly and is used to cool and soothe skin. It is, however, more widely used as an antiseptic for disinfecting surfaces or cleaning minor cuts or abrasions.

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol can also be supplied in a 99% concentration. This product can also be used to harden skin, such as in the case of the feet of novice hikers, or the fingertips of guitarists. Care should always be taken, and the label should be read carefully.

It can also be used for performance on Force Induction cars equipped with an intercooler. A mixture of Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and water can be sprayed into the intercooler to promote the cooling of the intercooler core, and essentially the air that passes through it. When using such a system, intake air temperatures can drop as low as 10-15C BELOW ambient temperature. This system also helps to reduce heatsoak of the intercooler.

It is unsuited as a fuel in alcohol stoves because of the relatively low vapor pressure of isopropyl alcohol, and because the water content will vaporize to steam, creating excessive pressure in the stove.