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What is Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)?

Isopropyl Alcohol (C₃H₈O) also known as propan-2-ol and isopropanol is a colourless liquid with a strong Odour. It is a familiar name in many households, especially when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. While it’s widely used in healthcare, laboratories, and industry, it’s also an incredibly versatile tool for everyday cleaning tasks at home. In this blog, APC Pure will explore what Isopropyl Alcohol is, how it works, and the many practical ways it can be used safely in the home.

Key Properties of Isopropyl Alcohol

Multiple pack sizes of Isopropyl Alcohol 99.8%

Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of isopropyl alcohol is C₃H₈O, denoting three carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Boiling Point

Isopropyl alcohol has a boiling point of 82.6 °C at standard atmospheric pressure, meaning it vapourises readily at room temperature and above.

Density

At 20 °C, isopropyl alcohol has a density of 0.786 g·cm⁻³, which is lower than that of water. This lower density not only aids in rapid spreading and wetting of surfaces but also means that, when mixed with water, it forms a homogeneous solution rather than settling or separating.

Flash Point

The closed-cup flash point of isopropyl alcohol is 12 °C, indicating that it can produce ignitable vapours even at relatively low temperatures. Because of this, it must be stored and used away from open flames or heat sources, and in well-ventilated areas to minimise fire risk.

Solubility

Isopropyl alcohol is completely miscible with water, ethanol and most organic solvents, allowing it to dissolve oils, greases, inks and adhesives effectively.

Common Household Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl Alcohol is one of the most practical products you can have at home. It serves a wide range of purposes, including:

Disinfecting Surfaces: Worktops, door handles, light switches, and other high-contact areas.
Cleaning Electronics: Useful for phones, keyboards, remotes, and screens when used with a microfibre cloth.
Glass & Mirror Cleaner: Provides a streak-free finish.
Sticker & Adhesive Remover: Helps loosen sticky labels and glue residues.
Cleaning Makeup Tools: Brushes and sponges can be sanitised with IPA to remove oils and bacteria.
Ink & Marker Removal: Lifts permanent ink from hard surfaces like plastic or metal.

These uses highlight IPA’s versatility, especially in areas where cleanliness and hygiene matter most.

70% vs 90 - 91% vs 99.98%: What’s the Difference?

70% Isopropyl Alcohol

Composition: 70% IPA, 30% water
Best for: General surface disinfection and sanitising
Why it works: The added water slows evaporation, allowing the alcohol to remain on surfaces longer. This extended contact time improves effectiveness against bacteria and viruses.

90% - 91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Composition: 90% IPA, 10% water
Best for: Light electronics cleaning, degreasing, and quick evaporation cleaning tasks
Why it works: Higher alcohol content means faster evaporation, making it suitable for jobs where moisture is a concern. Still retains some water content, offering mild disinfecting action.

99.98% Isopropyl Alcohol

Composition: Nearly pure IPA with minimal moisture content
Best for: Precision cleaning (e.g. circuit boards, thermal paste removal, optical lenses)
Why it works: The extremely high purity ensures the fastest evaporation with no residue, making it ideal for use in electronics, industrial applications, and water-sensitive environments.

Concentration	Evaporation Rate	Disinfecting Power	Best For
70%	Slower	Highest	Household disinfection
90% - 91%	Moderate	Moderate	General cleaning, light electronics
99.98%	Very fast	Lower (evaporates too quickly)	Precision cleaning, sensitive electronics

Isopropyl vs Other Household Cleaners

How does IPA stack up against other common cleaners?

Cleaner	Benefits	Considerations
Isopropyl Alcohol	Quick-drying, no residue, effective disinfectant	Flammable, not suitable for all surfaces
Bleach (Sodium Hypchlorite)	Strong disinfectant	Can discolour fabrics and surfaces, strong odour
Vinegar (Acetic Acid)	Natural and non-toxic	Not effective against all bacteria and viruses
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%	Oxidising disinfectant	Light-sensitive, can bleach surfaces

How to Use Isopropanol Safely

Though widely used, IPA should always be handled with care:

Use in a well-ventilated area
Keep away from flames, sparks, or heat sources
Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed
Avoid prolonged skin contact and keep out of eyes
Do not ingest and always keep out of reach of children and pets

For most household uses, apply with a cloth, cotton pad, or spray bottle, then allow to air-dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surgical Spirit the same as Isopropyl Alcohol?

Surgical Spirit and Rubbing Alcohol do share very similar antiseptic properties, however their properties do slightly differ.

For more information, read our blog on this exact topic Is Surgical Spirit the Same as Rubbing Alcohol?

Can I use Isopropyl Alcohol on fabric?

It’s best used on hard surfaces. It may remove colour or damage delicate fabrics.

Will it disinfect surfaces effectively?

Yes, particularly at 70% concentration. It’s commonly used in healthcare settings for this reason.

Conclusion

Isopropyl Alcohol is a powerful and practical tool for maintaining hygiene and tidiness in the home. From sanitising surfaces to removing stubborn residues, it’s incredibly useful to have on hand.