Denatured Alcohol vs. Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol is one of many organic compounds companies use to clean parts or machinery involved with the manufacturing of a finished product. It is applied in a variety of industries and is also included as a component of fuels, antiseptics, preservatives, and solvents. Products offered with alcohol as a base contain varying percentages of ethanol, which is the compound’s most common form. For example, an alcoholic beverage contains approximately 5 to 40 percent ethanol based on the total volume whereas an antiseptic often contains between 60 to 90 percent ethanol, propanol, or isopropanol. The agent is applied as a solvent in several industries because it has a rather low toxicity when compared to alternative cleaning choices.
What is Denatured Alcohol?
Denatured alcohol, sometimes referred to as methylated spirits, includes specific additives that make it non-drinkable. This form of ethanol has a bad taste, smells foul, and is poisonous if ingested. The additives exist to deter individuals from attempting to consume it for recreational purposes. Typically applied as a solvent, denatured alcohol is suitable for numerous application needs. Many forms contain approximately 10 percent methanol as the additive, rather than other common alternatives such as isopropyl alcohol, denatonium, methyl isobutyl ketone, and acetone. Denatured alcohol is used in wood sanding, small camping stove fuel, cleaning aids, application as a solvent, and in the production of some fuels.
How is Rubbing Alcohol Different?
Rubbing alcohol is considered to be a surgical spirit rather than a methylated spirit since it is used in medical environments as a topical application. It is a type of denatured alcohol prepared from a special solution consisting of roughly 70 percent pure ethanol or isopropyl alcohol in its concentrated form. The generic term rubbing alcohol is used to describe either isopropyl or ethyl based products with similar qualities, and is essentially a unique type of denatured solution. The two forms are designed to serve different purposes and antiseptic versions can be used as a gentle solvent substitute for home or business applications.
Applications of Denatured Products
Alternative denatured forms are used as a quick evaporating solvent by hobbyists, cleaning crews, painters, and manufacturing environments. Denatured alcohol is applied as a dependable cleaner to accomplish spot or grime removal. The quick drying properties are an exceptional function when the substance must not remain on the surface for an extended period of time. Camping stoves include denatured alcohol in fuels because it is an ideal clean burning solution that can be easily put out with water. To summarize, rubbing alcohol works as a minor cleaning solvent and is meant to be applied as an antiseptic. Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent, a fuel additive, and for sanding or finishing purposes and should never be applied as an antiseptic or consumed. Both forms are highly flammable making it important to take extra precautions when handling in an enclosed environment or using in large quantities.
Denatured alcohol is highly effective as a solvent and cleaning agent. For more information about our denatured alcohol products, please call (800) 563-1305 or send an email to products@ecolink.com.
