Simply put, isopropyl alcohol is an alcohol-based liquid that is perfect for safely cleaning electronic components. It can also be known as isopropanol. It is much more indicated and recommended than washing with water or soapy water, which are not recommended; because given their rapid and total evaporation, they do not leave a liquid or solid residue that can counteract the cleaning effects.
Now, let's dive into everything you need to know about the isopropyl alcohol. Why its use is so widespread, and why even if it seems like it, it is not advisable to replace it with alcohol that we can buy in pharmacies.
Table of Contents
What is isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can be classified as a liquid solvent, a secondary alcohol of three carbons and a single non-terminal –OH group. It can also be described as a structural isomer of propanol. More commonly it is known as alcohol for electronics cleaning, and it's easy for people to mistake it for alcohol 96 from drugstores.
The storage of isopropyl alcohol is usually done in carafes or cans, and its sale is given in paint stores, since it is also used as a solvent, or in specialized electronics stores, since its use as an electronic cleaning product such as it is very widespread. This is why you do not have to go to the pharmacy to buy isopropyl alcohol, because although they sell us alcohol, it is not indicated for cleaning electronic components.
Why Is Isopropyl Alcohol Used To Clean Electronics
When we clean a surface with a water-based product, either the windows with a glass cleaner, the floor with a scrubber, or the table with water and some detergent, no matter how much we dry, a small base of water may remain that may take to evaporate, and until then it can pick up residue from the air, no matter how small. These small residues can even worsen the state of the circuitry and electronic components, so cleaning a computer with water is always discouraged and it is recommended instead to use a dry cloth and a compressed air spray.
Isopropyl alcohol is used in electronics cleaning Because with its alcohol base, it evaporates quickly and does not leave a dry residue. It is also used because it is less toxic than other cleaning alternatives. This is why it is used for electronics cleaning Magnetic and optical objects, computer components, 3D printers and electrical elements that are in contact. It is less aggressive than other highly volatile solvents that also attack plastics and metals. This way the components are much better preserved and you do not damage them in a way that would invalidate your warranty.
Simply put, isopropyl alcohol is the cleaning product for computers and ideal electronic components. This is patched against any other home solution.
Can you use drugstore alcohol to clean electronics?
As it is possible that at first glance you do not know where to find isopropyl alcohol, you may go to the pharmacy to buy alcohol known as ethyl, ethanol or 96 alcohol, because they are 96% alcohol and 4% water. But even though they look alike in name and compound, Pharmacy alcohol is not a substitute for isopropyl alcohol.
Ethanol has effects very similar to water due to its terminal –OH group, since it interacts with water through hydrogen bonds. Although it can be used in a sanitary environment as a bactericide, antiseptic, or as a paint thinner, it is not recommended as a cleaner for electronic components due to its aggressiveness. If you use pharmacy alcohol for cleaning electronicsYou can end up damaging the components because you are using a liquid that is too abrasive for the components, which are often made of delicate and sensitive materials, especially those that have to make contact.
Not that you're going to trash your gear if you ever use drugstore rubbing alcohol to clean up. But it is always advisable to use it. It should be seen that using isopropyl alcohol instead of pharmacy is an investment in cleaning, safety and maintenance.
How to clean with rubbing alcohol
There are many ways to clean with rubbing alcohol. A very common way is to throw it directly on the area to be cleaned and remove the dirt with a dry cloth or paper to clean. A brush or brush can be used to gently clean the contacts. If you have trouble getting into smaller spaces, you can pour the rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and focus on the part you want to clean.
When cleaning, you must be careful not to ingest it and make sure it does not come into contact with your eyes, nose, or open wounds on your skin. It is advisable to use it in a ventilated area due to the odors and gases it can emit. Although its odor is not aggressive, being continually exposed to an area loaded with isopropyl alcohol odors can cause dizziness and headaches.
Can I use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect myself from Covid-19?
We do not recommend it. Although it is alcohol, its percentage is quite high and it can evaporate too quickly to eliminate traces of Covid-19 or to serve as a disinfectant. It is a product specially made for computing, not for health reasons.
What is the difference between ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol, known as ethanol; It contains two carbons and has a great affinity for water, so ethanol cannot be completely separated from water. Isopropyl alcohol is an anhydrous three-carbon secondary alcohol that does not contain water, leaving no dry residue.
What can I clean with isopropyl alcohol?
In addition to cleaning PCs and electronic components to prevent them from being damaged by dirt and humidity, it can clean mirrors and glass, since it does not leave residue or wet traces, so there will be no stains or debris left.
Can it be disinfected with isopropyl alcohol?
No, because 70º alcohol has greater bactericidal activity, which is why it is used more to disinfect wounds. Isopropyl is made to be able to clean electronic components without damaging them, since water as it is can leave residue and damage the contacts and metal parts.
