ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL (IPA) is a Rubbing alcohol, also known as surgical spirit, is a versatile cleaning agent that serves multiple purposes in both households and professional settings. It’s widely used to clean glass, plastics, and electronics due to its ability to quickly evaporate without leaving residue.

It can effectively remove substances like shoe polish, wax, and permanent ink from most surfaces. Additionally, it’s excellent for cleaning makeup brushes and sterilizing everyday household items such as phones, light switches, doorknobs, and medical equipment found in homes and offices.

For glass cleaning, rubbing alcohol mixed with water (typically 35% to 50% isopropyl alcohol) works as an efficient solution. For rubbing alcohol use, dilute 7 parts isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with 3 parts water for a balanced formula. This solution is often preferred where methylated spirits are too harsh for use on plastics.

Common Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

Electronics
IPA is commonly used to clean electronics due to its quick evaporation. It’s ideal for cleaning printed circuit boards (PCBs), computer screens, CDs/DVDs, connectors, contacts, laser lenses, tape heads, and even guitar strings. It’s a safe cleaner for devices that can be easily damaged by water or moisture.

Surface Coatings
In surface coatings, IPA is used to improve blush resistance in nitrocellulose lacquers. It’s often substituted for ethanol in certain lacquer formulations without affecting viscosity. IPA enhances the solvency of many resins and significantly improves the solvent power for nitrocellulose.

Antifreeze
IPA is used to separate water from gasoline, preventing freezing in cold climates. It can also be added to air and gasoline lines to prevent icing in winter. Additionally, IPA serves as a coolant in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Cosmetics
IPA is widely used in the cosmetics industry. It’s a key ingredient in the production of cosmetics, perfumes, and liquid soaps. Since it’s denaturant-free and gentle on the skin, IPA is often included in body lotions, creams, deodorants, and perfumes.

Other Uses
IPA is also used as a preservative, fuel additive, and gas dryer. It plays a significant role in the manufacturing of insecticides, adhesives, inks, and more. It’s a common dehydrating agent and is heavily utilized in the printing industry.

Applications & Uses

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is a versatile solvent and disinfectant widely used across various industries. It is known for its quick evaporation, leaving no residue, making it ideal for cleaning, degreasing, and disinfecting. Common concentrations range from 70% to 99%, with different applications depending on purity levels.

• Medical & Healthcare:
  • Used as an antiseptic in hand sanitizers, wipes, and disinfectant sprays.
  • Cleans and disinfects medical equipment, thermometers, and surgical tools.
  • Used in hospitals and clinics for sterilizing surfaces and preventing infections.
• Electronics & Semiconductors:
  • Cleans delicate electronic components, circuit boards, and connectors.
  • Removes flux residues, dust, and oils from sensitive equipment.
  • Prevents static buildup and enhances the longevity of electronic devices.
• Automotive Industry:
  • Used as a fuel additive to remove water contamination in fuel systems.
  • Cleans automotive parts, sensors, and glass surfaces without leaving streaks.
  • Removes grease, oil, and adhesives from car exteriors and interiors.
• Industrial Cleaning & Manufacturing:
  • Serves as an industrial degreaser for machinery, tools, and work surfaces.
  • Used in the production of paints, coatings, and printing inks as a solvent.
  • Helps in pharmaceutical manufacturing and formulation processes.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care:
  • A key ingredient in perfumes, deodorants, and astringents.
  • Used as a solvent in skin care products and cosmetic formulations.
  • Acts as a drying agent in nail polish removers and aftershaves.
• Household & General Cleaning:
  • Disinfects kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and household items.
  • Removes sticky residues, ink stains, and adhesive residues.
  • Cleans glass, mirrors, and stainless steel appliances without streaking.
• Printing & Signage:
  • Cleans printing machines, rollers, and inkjet heads.
  • Used as a solvent in screen printing and flexographic printing processes.
• Food & Beverage Industry:
  • Sanitizes food preparation areas, cutting boards, and kitchen equipment.
  • Used in food processing plants to maintain hygiene standards.

Potential Customers & Industries

• Healthcare & Medical:
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Pharmacies and healthcare providers
  • Medical device manufacturers
  • Veterinarians and dental clinics
• Electronics & IT:
  • Computer repair and assembly shops
  • Semiconductor manufacturers
  • IT hardware maintenance services
  • Mobile phone repair centers
• Automotive & Transport:
  • Auto repair shops and detailing businesses
  • Car dealerships and fleet maintenance companies
  • Aviation maintenance and aerospace industries
• Industrial & Manufacturing:
  • Paint and coatings manufacturers
  • Printing and packaging industries
  • Machinery maintenance and repair services
  • Chemical processing plants
• Cosmetics & Personal Care:
  • Perfume and skincare product manufacturers
  • Salons and beauty spas
  • Nail and hair care product companies
• Retail & Household Cleaning:
  • Supermarkets and retail stores
  • Cleaning service providers
  • Home improvement and hardware stores
• Food & Beverage Industry:
  • Food processing plants
  • Restaurants and commercial kitchens
  • Catering services and food manufacturers

Safety & Handling:

Flammability: IPA is highly flammable. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, flames, and sparks.
Ventilation: Always use IPA in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure can cause dryness or irritation. Use gloves if handling large amounts.
Ingestion: IPA is toxic if swallowed. Seek immediate medical attention if accidentally ingested.
Storage: Keep out of reach of children and ensure the container is tightly sealed when not in use.