What Is Denatured Alcohol?
Denatured alcohol, also referred to as “methylated spirits”, is a form of ethanol with specific additives for deterring consumption. The additives make it a poisonous liquid that has a poor taste and nauseating smell. A variety of additives can be used, with ten percent methanol being a common choice. These additives work to inhibit individuals from consuming the alcohol, as well as impede them from using distillation or another practice to create a drinkable version. Most countries require denatured alcohol to be dyed blue or purple to indicate its associated dangers.
Beneficial Applications of Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol is a useful product in a number of scenarios, ranging from general at-home cleaning to industrial work. Some typical applications of denatured alcohol include:
- Cleaning Agent
One of the most common uses of denatured alcohol is as a cleaning agent. Denatured alcohol can remove dirt, grease, glue, wax, and other types of grime from a variety of hard surfaces, such as wood, glass, and plastic.
- Fueling of Small Camping Stoves
Denatured alcohol can be utilized to fuel small camping stoves and oil heaters. Its low price and ability to burn cleanly make it an attractive fuel for this purpose.
- Stain Remover
Denatured alcohol also serves as a useful stain remover. It works well in dissolving oil-based substances, such as oil-based inks and lipstick. It can also effectively remove stains from clothing, such as berry stains and grass stains. To use denatured alcohol as a stain remover, simply dip a cotton ball into the alcohol and then blot the stain. Replace the cotton ball with a fresh one as needed, as it will absorb the stain throughout this process.
- Pest Extermination
Bug infestations can be a huge nuisance, but luckily, denatured alcohol can help. It can be used as an insecticide for aphids, bedbugs, and other pests.
- Woodworking
After sanding wood, there may be sawdust residue left over. Denatured alcohol can be applied with a soft cloth to remove sawdust, smooth the wood’s surface, and give the wood a professional and glossy finish.
- Solvent
Finally, in industrial settings, denatured alcohol is often used as a solvent in products such as shellac and paint thinner.
Denatured Alcohol Safety
Denatured alcohol, while versatile, is extremely flammable, thus making it important to store it in a proper location away from sparks or flames. Inhalation in a poorly ventilated environment may cause dizziness and other complications. The substance should never come in contact with a person’s skin or eyes during use. Those applying denatured alcohol as a general cleaner or degreaser should wear protective clothing, goggles, and gloves to prevent these occurrences. Finally, it is important to check the credentials of any supplier offering denatured alcohol. The supplier should have the appropriate environmental accreditations and have a reputation for quality.
Interested in Denatured Alcohol?
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Khatera Barati
