Chemical Know-How

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is a versatile solvent available in various grades, each tailored to specific applications. Understanding the differences between these grades is essential for choosing the right one for your needs.

99.99% Isopropyl Alcohol

Characteristics:

• Nearly pure IPA with less than 0.01% water content.

• Fast evaporation rate and minimal residue.

Uses:

• Electronics Cleaning: Ideal for circuit boards, keyboards, and sensitive devices as it evaporates quickly without leaving moisture behind.

• Industrial Applications: Used as a solvent in paint thinners, adhesives, and coatings.

• DIY Sanitizers: Often diluted with water to create hand sanitizers.

• Optics Cleaning: Safely cleans lenses, microscopes, and glass surfaces.

Who It’s For:

• Professionals and industries requiring high-purity solvents for precision cleaning or manufacturing.

70% Isopropyl Alcohol

Characteristics:

• Contains 70% IPA and 30% water.

• Slower evaporation rate compared to higher concentrations, allowing longer surface contact.

Uses:

• Disinfection: Commonly used in medical and household settings for sterilizing surfaces and tools.

• Personal Care: Safe for skin applications like first aid and sanitizing cuts.

• Household Cleaning: Suitable for cleaning countertops, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces.

Who It’s For:

• Medical facilities, households, and businesses prioritizing disinfection over quick drying.

91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Characteristics:

• Contains 91% IPA and 9% water.

• Balances strong cleaning power with some moisture for extended effectiveness.

Uses:

• Stain Removal: Effective for removing ink, grease, and tough stains from fabric or surfaces.

• Cleaning Electronics: Useful for cleaning electronics when 99.99% IPA isn’t available.

• DIY Projects: Popular in making homemade cleaning solutions.

Who It’s For:

• Households and small businesses needing a strong yet slightly diluted solution for cleaning and disinfecting.

50% Isopropyl Alcohol

Characteristics:

• A mix of 50% IPA and 50% water.

• Lower strength but still effective for general cleaning.

Uses:

• Basic Cleaning: Cleans surfaces with light dirt or grease.

• Skin Applications: Used for cooling and soothing skin (e.g., rubbing alcohol).

• Pet Care: Safe for cleaning animal-related items like grooming tools or litter boxes.

Who It’s For:

• Households and individuals needing a gentle cleaning solution.

Why is there no 100% Isopropyl Alcohol? 

There is no 100% isopropyl alcohol available commercially because it is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, making it impossible to maintain absolute purity outside of controlled environments.