Is Rubbing Alcohol The Same As Methylated Spirits?

Is Rubbing Alcohol The Same As Methylated Spirits?

By : Mikaela Perrin

Cleaning and disinfecting a home is pivotal for maintaining a healthy and hygienic indoor environment. It is essential to use the right household products to effectively eliminate dirt, germs, and viruses from almost all surfaces. One of the safest and most effective disinfecting products that come to mind is rubbing alcohol. It can kill lingering germs while reducing allergens and ailments while protecting kids, elders and pets in a home setup.

However, rubbing alcohol is often confused with methylated spirits. Despite their similarities in appearance, these two products have different composition, cleaning uses and safety protocols. Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol (pure alcoholic liquid) used for disinfecting surfaces, whereas methylated spirits contain methanol, making it more toxic for household cleaning. It requires caution and proper attention when tackling grime, gunk and germs during a professional bond cleaning Gold Coast, QLD.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help understand the key differences between rubbing alcohol and methylated spirits. The article also includes the cleaning uses of both substances for harmonious results.

1. Chemical Composition: Rubbing Alcohol Vs. Methylated Spirits

woman disinfecting a household surface

Rubbing alcohol comprises 70-80 per cent of isopropyl alcohol and water mixture, making it an ideal product to kill common household germs and bacteria. It is a highly antiseptic solvent that can help you disinfect surfaces without leaving toxic fumes behind.

On the other hand, Methylated Spirits are alcoholic liquids made by the composition of denaturing ethanol and other chemicals like methyl or methanol alcohol. The methanol present in the methylated spirits makes it highly poisonous and can cause potential harm, such as blindness or even death, if consumed.

Tip: Pay extra attention when disinfecting your home using alcohol-based products.

2. What are the Cleaning/Disinfecting Uses of Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) is the best alternative to store-bought disinfectants. Many professionals use this product during a cheap bond cleaning Gold Coast for the following purposes:

  • Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: It can effectively kill lingering germs like E.coli, etc from hard surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops and bathroom surfaces. Spray and leave it for a few minutes before wiping.
  • Clean Windows and Mirrors: It can help you achieve streak-free windows and mirrors as the solution evaporates quickly.
  • Eliminate Adhesive Stains: Rubbing alcohol can easily dislodge sticky residue from walls and other surfaces.
  • Cleaning Bathrooms: Achieve sparkling bathroom fixtures using this versatile cleaning agent. It can help remove soap scum, grime, calcium deposits, etc, effectively.

3. How to Use Methylated Spirits for Household Cleaning?

There is no denying that methylated spirits are more potent, making them ideal for stubborn stains and gunk. Unlike rubbing alcohol, methylated spirits may damage delicate surfaces if not used with proper caution. Here are the cleaning differences:

  • De-grease Surfaces: It can cut through buildup grease from kitchen surfaces like stovetops, ovens, BBQs and microwaves.
  • Eliminate Paint Stains: It can help clean dirty walls and remove stubborn paint stains effectively post-home renovation project.
  • Mould Remover: You can easily remove mould and mildew stains from tiles and walls.
  • Floor Cleaner: The denatured alcohol works wonders in cleaning tiled and linoleum floors, leaving spotless results.

4. Understanding Smell/Odour Differentiation

Believe it or not! Both substances have pungent odours, but the scents may differ due to their compositions. Rubbing alcohol has an intense smell and is often associated with clinics and hospitals. However it is less sharp as compared to methylated spirits.

Methanol and other denatured alcohol make methylated spirits extremely strong and pungent. The odour becomes worse if it lingers in the air longer, leading to allergy triggers and other respiratory concerns. Thus, it is good to focus on allergy-friendly cleaning practices when maintaining a tidy abode. You can use eco-friendly products and chemical-free cleaners for effective cleaning.

5. Safety Precautions: Rubbing Alcohol vs. Methylated Spirits

When using 70 % isopropyl alcohol for household cleaning, open your windows and doors for proper ventilation. Also, avoid opening gas flames and keep the solution away from children. The solution is safer for skin contact, as it is used to manufacture hand sanitisers.

On the other hand, methylated spirits are potent and require strict safety protocols to prevent health hazards. The toxic component of methanol can lead to various health concerns. It is always good to wear gloves and avoid inhalation for household cleaning. It is always good to use the solution in properly ventilated areas and safely use it on delicate surfaces.

Note: Both are highly flammable and, thus, should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

6. Environmental Impact: Which is a Better Choice?

There is a huge difference between rubbing alcohol and methylated spirits regarding environmental impact. Rubbing alcohol is considered as a VOC, contributing to air pollution if not used properly. However, it is often used in small quantities and diluted with water, reducing the environmental impact.

However, methylated spirits have higher ethanol concentrations, making them more environmental hazards. The presence of methanol makes it more harmful if not disposed of properly. It is always good to dispose of methanol-based solutions at a hazardous waste disposal site to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You can also hire experts for an eco-friendly bond cleaning Gold Coast and secure your hard-earned deposited security. They come equipped with chemical-free products to tackle dirt, grime, grease and germs to deliver a sparkling and hygienic indoor environment.

How do rubbing alcohol and methylated spirits differ?

Is Rubbing Alcohol The Same As Methylated Spirits?

Wrapping up

While rubbing alcohol and methylated spirits might look the same and serve various common purposes, they are completely different from each other. Rubbing alcohol is safe and effective for household cleaning, while denatured alcohol with methanol requires more safety measures due to higher levels of toxic components and caustic fumes. So, choose the product wisely for household setup and achieve sparkling results.