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.
Related
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 do you 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.
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.
Can 99% isopropyl alcohol be used on skin? ›
Skin: May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation. Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
What are the uses 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).
Can I add water to 99 isopropyl alcohol? ›
>Thus, adding 35.35mL of distilled water to 14.65mL of 99% IPA creates a 50mL solution of 70% IPA.
Can I use 99 isopropyl alcohol for hand sanitizer? ›
But it's better to get above that—aim for a minimum of 75 percent. A bottle of 99 percent isopropyl alcohol is the best thing to use. Your regular vodka and whiskey are too wimpy and won't cut it. Mix 3 parts isopropyl alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel.
Can I clean my phone with 99% isopropyl alcohol? ›
Get it wrong and you could damage your phone. The safest bet is to use disinfectant wipes that contain 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean your phone screen.
Is 70 or 99 isopropyl alcohol better for electronics? ›
You can use 70%, 91%, or 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean various types of electronics – what you choose will depend on what you're cleaning. For externals – such as disinfecting your smartphone or TV remote – 60-70 percent will do a better job.
Which isopropyl alcohol is best for cleaning electronics? ›
Use 824 Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) cleaning grade alcohol from any electronic components store. If it's a mobile phone or any other low voltage gadget: which might have traces of water left in it, you can submerge the phone in the IPA solution for an hour and leave it to dry, all the traces of water will be washed away.
The Isopropyl Alcohol market prices are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including supply chain disruptions, raw material costs, global economic conditions, trade policies, environmental considerations, and industry-specific demands.
What is the difference between 99 isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol? ›
The main difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol is the concentration. The concentration of isopropyl alcohol is 100%, while the concentration of rubbing alcohol is less because of the addition of water. Otherwise, the two liquids have similar properties. They are antibacterial and antiseptic.
Does isopropyl alcohol go bad? ›
The bottom line. Rubbing alcohol does have an expiration date, which is usually printed on the bottle or on the label. Rubbing alcohol has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. After that, the alcohol starts to evaporate, and it may not be as effective at killing germs and bacteria.
Where should you not use isopropyl alcohol? ›
Keep Isopropyl Alcohol out of confined spaces, such as sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion. DO NOT wash into sewer. Isopropyl Alcohol is dangerous to aquatic life at high concentrations.
What does rubbing alcohol do to your hair? ›
Rubbing alcohol has a low pH level, which means that when applied to the hair, it can cause damage by stripping off its natural oils. This can lead to dryness of the hair shaft and leave it brittle and more prone to breaking. Additionally, when you put alcohol onto your head, the pores on your scalp open up.
What is isopropyl alcohol active against? ›
Studies also have demonstrated the ability of ethyl and isopropyl alcohol to inactivate the hepatitis B virus(HBV) 224, 225 and the herpes virus, 490 and ethyl alcohol to inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 227, rotavirus, echovirus, and astrovirus 491.
What is better 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. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%.
Is 99% isopropyl alcohol the same as rubbing alcohol? ›
No – isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same thing. Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol and is a colorless liquid with a musty, sharp odor. There are no other ingredients in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water.
What is the difference between 91 and 99 isopropyl alcohol? ›
99% IPA has the highest concentration of alcohol, with only 1% water, making it the most effective at dissolving resin and other buildup in your bong. 91% IPA has 9% water, and 70% IPA has 30% water, which means they are less potent and may take longer to work.
How much water to add to 99 isopropyl alcohol to make it 70? ›
So, there you have it: Mix 100ml of 99% alcohol with 41ml of water, and voilà, you've got 141ml of 70% alcohol solution. Simple!
