Isopropyl Alcohol Vs. Ethanol: Which One Is Better For Cleaning?

The two common alcohols in cleaning and sanitizing are isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Both alcohols are popular as disinfectants and are alike in several aspects, but their differing qualities fit them for different uses. This article will examine the differences between ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, with an eye on why Isopropyl Alcohol is often regarded as the better choice for cleaning purposes.

What Are They Like?

Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are both colorless liquids that are highly flammable and widely used for their antiseptic and disinfectant properties.

Both ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are available in concentrations from diluted solutions, like 70%, to high-purity versions, like 99%. Concentration also appears to determine to a large extent how effective these solvents are as disinfectants. A higher concentration of alcohol generally kills more germs, but it evaporates faster, too. With this in mind, a 70% alcohol concentration is usually considered the best strength for disinfecting purposes, as it will penetrate better into the cell walls of germs.

Why Isopropyl Alcohol Is Better for Cleaning

Though ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are both disinfectants, there are certain advantages of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning purposes. Some are:

• Higher Evaporation Rate: One reason that often makes Isopropyl Alcohol more suitable than Ethanol for cleaning applications is its higher evaporation rate. Isopropyl alcohol dries very fast and leaves the least possible residue making it particularly excellent for electronic cleaning, and glass surfaces, among other delicate materials. Ethanol is also somewhat slow to dry and could leave streaks or more residue on surfaces. In situations where a quick-drying disinfectant is crucial, such as cleaning surfaces, isopropyl alcohol is the better option.

• Better at Dissolving Oils and Grease: Isopropyl alcohol is particularly effective at dissolving oils, grease, and stubborn grime. It is often most suitable for cleaning surfaces that have a concentration of oils either from fingerprints or cooking and industrial processes. Ethanol may be able to remove some oils, but it doesn’t dissolve greases as isopropyl alcohol does. If the working surface tends to be greasy or oily- a common scenario in households, workshops, and even medical or laboratory environments- isopropyl alcohol is often the most efficient solution.

• Stronger Antimicrobial Properties: Isopropyl alcohol has stronger antimicrobial properties compared to ethanol, making it more effective at killing a wider range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Although both alcohols are effective against common germs such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, isopropyl alcohol is more effective in eliminating more resistant forms of bacteria, including bacterial spores. This makes isopropyl alcohol a superior disinfectant for medical and laboratory environments where sanitation is critical.

• Less Likely to Damage Surfaces: Ethanol, while effective as a disinfectant, can be much harsher on some surfaces, especially plastics and certain finishes. Repeatedly using ethanol-based cleaners on these sensitive materials causes surface degradation or discolouration over time. Isopropyl alcohol tends to be less damaging to surfaces, and it is actually better for delicate items such as electronics, plastic components, or even fine furniture.

• More Effective Against Certain Pathogens: While ethanol is particularly effective against lipid-enveloped viruses (such as influenza and coronaviruses). However, isopropyl alcohol has a broader spectrum of activity and is very potent on non-enveloped viruses as well as spores of specific bacteria. Non-enveloped viruses such as rhinovirus causing the common cold are also resistant and challenging to destroy. Yet, isopropyl alcohol has a better ability to kill and remove these microorganisms and hence is ideal for most purposes.

How do they work?

Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol act by denaturing the proteins of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, thus killing them by disrupting their cell membranes. The alcohol molecules penetrate the cells, triggering protein denaturation, breaking down the microbial structure. This is the reason why alcohol-based disinfectants are so potent against a wide variety of germs. The CDC recommends the use of alcohol solutions with concentrations ranging from 60%-90% for optimal disinfection.

Isopropyl or Ethanol: Which is Better?

In deciding between ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol for cleaning purposes, it really depends on the needs of the environment. If you are cleaning delicate electronics, removing oils and grease, or need a disinfectant with stronger antimicrobial properties, isopropyl alcohol is the better option. It is also preferred in medical and laboratory settings due to its superior disinfecting power and ability to remove residues. However, Ethanol might be better to use for cleaning surfaces that have direct contact with food, or combating specific viruses, It is often used in products where the effectiveness against lipid-enveloped viruses is particularly important, as in hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants.

Conclusion

Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol work well as cleaners, but when it comes to general disinfecting and cleaning, isopropyl alcohol stands out as preferable. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quicker, has stronger grease-dissolving ability, and has a wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity, making it best for electronics, medical devices, and everyday surfaces. Understanding the strengths of each type of alcohol can help you choose the best option for your cleaning needs.

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