Isopropyl Alcohol for Disinfecting Home

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is a versatile and effective disinfectant that can be utilized for various cleaning purposes in both your home and car. Here are some key points highlighting its effectiveness:

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Isopropyl alcohol is known for its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. It can help eliminate bacteria and viruses on surfaces, reducing the risk of infections.

Quick Evaporation

Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving surfaces dry and minimizing the risk of damage to certain materials. Its rapid evaporation also ensures a shorter contact time, making it a convenient and efficient choice for quick disinfection.

Non-Corrosive

Isopropyl alcohol is generally non-corrosive, making it safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including metals, plastics, and glass. It is less likely to cause damage compared to some other harsh chemicals, making it suitable for disinfecting electronic devices and sensitive equipment.

Versatility

Isopropyl alcohol can be used on various surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, steering wheels, and car interiors, providing a versatile solution for home and car disinfection. It can also be applied to small personal items like keys, smartphones, and remote controls.

Preventing Mold and Mildew

Isopropyl alcohol can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, making it useful for cleaning and disinfecting areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and car interiors.

Convenient Packaging

Isopropyl alcohol is commonly available in various concentrations and convenient packaging, such as spray bottles and small containers, facilitating easy application.

Affordability

Isopropyl alcohol is a cost-effective disinfectant, offering an economical solution for regular cleaning and disinfection needs in both home and automotive settings.

The advantages and disadvantages of alcohols as low-level disinfectants are their rapid onset of action, broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, and ease of use as advantages. Limitations include slow action against nonenveloped viruses, lack of sporicidal activity, reduced efficacy in the presence of organic matter, and flammability. Boyce (2018) found that “60%–90% ethyl alcohol concentrations were the most effective in 1 minute against three healthcare pathogens“. We recommend 70% straight or 91% diluted 1:1 for cleaning your home or vehicle. If you would like to book your cleaning with Clarity click “Request Estimate” at the top of the page. Thank you!

Citation:

JM. Alcohols as Surface Disinfectants in Healthcare Settings. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. 2018;39(3):323-328. doi:10.1017/ice.2017.301