The 15 best uses of isopropyl alcohol (IPA, rubbing alcohol)

🧴 What Is Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA, Isopropanol)?

If you’ve ever cleaned your phone screen, treated a wound, or wiped down your laptop keyboard, there’s a good chance you’ve already used isopropyl alcohol — without even realizing it.

Also known as IPA or isopropanol, this clear, colorless liquid is one of the most versatile household and industrial chemicals out there. It’s often called rubbing alcohol, and depending on the concentration (usually 70% or 99%), it’s used for everything from medical disinfection to electronic cleaning and even DIY home care.

👉 Chemical formula: C₃H₈O (or structurally, CH₃CHOHCH₃).
That simply means it contains three carbon atoms, eight hydrogens, and one oxygen atom — a simple yet powerful alcohol molecule that evaporates quickly, kills germs effectively, and leaves no residue.

In short:
👉 Isopropyl Alcohol = The ultimate all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant.

💡 What Is Isopropyl Alcohol Used For?

Here’s where IPA truly shines. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a healthcare worker, or just someone who loves a clean home, there’s a use for it in your daily life.

Let’s go through the 15 best and most common uses of isopropyl alcohol — and why everyone should have a bottle at home.

1. Disinfecting Surfaces

Isopropyl alcohol is one of the best disinfectants around. A 70% IPA solution kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses on surfaces. Use it to wipe:

• Kitchen counters
• Door handles
• Bathroom sinks
• Electronic screens

Just spray and let it air-dry. No rinsing needed!

2. First Aid and Medical Cleaning

That bottle labeled “rubbing alcohol” in your first aid kit? That’s isopropyl alcohol.
It’s used to:

• Clean minor wounds before dressing
• Disinfect medical instruments
• Reduce risk of infection

Hospitals love IPA because it evaporates quickly, leaving instruments and skin clean and dry.

3. Electronics and Gadgets

Tech lovers, listen up. IPA is safe for cleaning electronics when used properly.
You can use 99% isopropyl alcohol to:

• Clean keyboards, phones, and screens
• Remove sticky residue from cables
• Restore old computer components

Since it dries fast and leaves no residue, it’s perfect for delicate parts.

The following You Tube Video demonstrate the use of Isopropyl alcohol and toothbrush to clean a smoke damaged PCB

4. Removing Sticky Labels and Glue

Tired of those stubborn sticker residues on jars or new appliances?
Just soak a cloth in isopropyl alcohol and rub gently — the glue dissolves like magic.

5. De-icing Car Windows

IPA works great as a DIY windshield de-icer. Mix 2 parts 70% isopropyl alcohol with 1 part water, spray on icy windows, and watch the ice melt in seconds. No scraping needed!

6. Cleaning Glass and Mirrors

Forget expensive glass cleaners — IPA does the job better.
Spray some onto a microfiber cloth, wipe your windows or mirrors, and enjoy a streak-free shine.

7. Deodorizing Shoes and Boots

If your boots smell after a long day, spray the inside with rubbing alcohol. It kills odor-causing bacteria and helps them dry faster.
This trick is popular among hikers and athletes!

8. Cooling Pads or Compresses

Soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol, place it in a sealed bag, and freeze it for a reusable cold compress. It stays slushy and flexible — perfect for sprains or headaches.

9. Cleaning Makeup Tools

Your makeup brushes and tweezers can harbor bacteria.
Dip them in 70% IPA, rinse, and dry — your skin will thank you later.

10. Polishing Stainless Steel

Want your fridge, sink, or toaster to shine again?
Wipe them with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. It removes smudges and fingerprints instantly.

11. Cleaning Whiteboards

Dry-erase boards can get ghost marks over time. IPA wipes those off easily and restores the board to a bright white finish.

12. Removing Nail Polish

If you’re out of nail polish remover, 99% IPA can save the day. It dissolves polish effectively — though it might take a little longer than acetone.

13. Preventing Athlete’s Foot

After showers or gym sessions, wipe your feet with a bit of rubbing alcohol. It helps kill fungus and keeps your feet dry and odor-free.

14. DIY Hand Sanitizer

Can’t find store-bought sanitizer? You can make your own:

• 2 parts isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%)
• 1 part aloe vera gel
• A few drops of essential oil for scent

Mix, pour into a pump bottle — and you’ve got an instant germ-killer!

The You Tube video below summarises visual uses of Isopropyl Alcohol in cleaning PC parts

15. Cleaning Home Appliances

IPA is perfect for cleaning:

• Refrigerators
• Coffee makers
• Remote controls
• Light switches

It disinfects without damaging plastics or metals.

🧪 Different Grades of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

Not all IPA is the same. The main difference lies in concentration:

Type	Description	Best Use
70% IPA (Rubbing Alcohol)	Contains 70% alcohol, 30% water	Best for disinfection and first aid
99% IPA (Isopropanol)	Highly concentrated, evaporates fast	Ideal for electronics and industrial cleaning
100% IPA	Laboratory-grade	Used in manufacturing, labs, and chemical industries

🛒 Where to Buy Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

If you’re in the UK or Kenya, you can find isopropyl alcohol easily in:

• Boots Pharmacy (search “isopropyl alcohol Boots” or “rubbing alcohol Boots”)
• Tesco and Screwfix
• Local chemist shops and hardware stores
• Online marketplaces like Amazon, Jumia, or eBay

Common packaging sizes:

• 1 litre
• 5 litres
• 20 litres

These options are often labeled as:

• Isopropyl Alcohol IPA Isopropanol 70 1L
• Isopropyl Alcohol IPA Isopropanol 99 5L
• Isopropyl Alcohol IPA Isopropanol 100 20L

If you’re buying for home use, 70% IPA is the best balance of safety and efficiency. For cleaning electronics or industrial purposes, go for 99% or 100% IPA.

⚠️ Safety Tips When Using Isopropyl Alcohol

While IPA is incredibly useful, it’s still a chemical — so handle it wisely:

• Keep away from open flames (it’s highly flammable)
• Use in a well-ventilated area
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Never drink or apply on large open wounds

🧠 Fun Fact: Why 70% Works Better Than 99%

You’d think 99% IPA kills more germs, right? Surprisingly, 70% works better for disinfection.
That’s because the water content slows evaporation, allowing the alcohol to penetrate bacterial cell walls more effectively and kill microbes completely.
So for sanitizing, always reach for 70%; for cleaning electronics, go for 99%.

🧴 Final Thoughts

From cleaning your smartphone to sanitizing hospital tools, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is the ultimate all-rounder in both homes and industries.

It’s affordable, powerful, and readily available — whether you buy it at Boots, Tesco, or online.

So next time you see a bottle labeled “Isopropyl Alcohol 99%”, know that you’re holding one of the most useful chemicals ever made.