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Which Is The Best Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning?

Rubbing alcohol is a great general purpose cleaner. You can use it on its own to clean electronics and lenses or dilute it with water and use it to disinfect surfaces such as the kitchen counter and door handles.

Since rubbing alcohol contains more than the 60% minimum alcohol content recommended for disinfection, you can also it to make DIY hand sanitiser.

In this buying guide, we recommend five great rubbing alcohol brands in the UK that you can use around the house, in your hobbies or on the go.

Key Considerations When Buying Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning

A. Alcohol Content

Alcohol content is the most important factor to consider when shopping for rubbing alcohol. The amount of alcohol in the product determines its strength.

Most rubbing alcohols today have a very high alcohol content, usually 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol. But any rubbing alcohol with an alcohol percentage above 60% is powerful enough to kill germs.

However, for cleaning stains, gunk and stickers, you’ll find a 99.9% rubbing alcohol to be the most effective.

B. Dispensing Method

We find rubbing alcohol that comes in a spray bottle to be the most convenient to use around the house. It’s easy to apply the right amount on surfaces.

Rubbing alcohol spray is also easier to apply in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Rubbing alcohol with a nozzle is also easy to use. You can squirt a small amount on a sponge or piece of cotton wool.

If you plan to dilute the rubbing alcohol in water, you can get one with a normal bottle top. You can then pour out the exact amount you need.

C. Odourless

Look for a rubbing alcohol that evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave any smells. The alcohol will smell when you are using it, but it should not leave any odours behind on the cleaned surface.

If you want cleaned surfaces to have a fragrance, we recommend mixing the rubbing alcohol with a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

D. Childproof

You should keep rubbing alcohol where kids and pets cannot reach it. But you can forget or your kid might deploy her genius to reach the rubbing alcohol where you’ve put it.

For peace of mind, look for a bottle of rubbing alcohol that has a childproof cap. That way, your child cannot open the bottle even if they reach it.

Best Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning: Reviews

1. WoldoClean Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning 99.9% Isopropyl, 1L

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WoldoClean rubbing alcohol is ideal for cleaning and disinfecting different surfaces including the kitchen countertop, glass surfaces and common areas.

The 99.9% alcohol concentration allows WoldoClean to dissolve a wide range of chemicals and organic compounds with ease. This makes WoldoClean great for removing gunk from surfaces, cleaning off remnant of stickers and labels and cleaning oil residues.

You can also use WoldoClean to clean electronics and optics such as camera lenses without causing damage or leaving scratches.

The manufacturer says you can also use WoldoClean as an ink solvent or acrylic paint thinner.

Tip: When using WoldoClean and other 99.9% rubbing alcohol as disinfectants, dilute them to between 70% and 90% alcohol concentration. Adding water makes the alcohol better at neutralising germs.

What we like about it:

  • Versatile applications.
  • Large 1L bottle.
  • Powerful alcohol concentration.
  • Includes nozzle for easy application.

2. AF Isoclene Cleaning Pump Spray, 250ml

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If you prefer a rubbing alcohol spray bottle, we recommend the AF Isoclene pump spray. It’s small enough that you carry it in your bag for use wherever you are.

It’s handy for sanitising your car and other surfaces you come into contact with. You can also use the pump spray at home to clean electronics, lenses and common household surfaces.

The manufacturer doesn’t state the precise percentage of alcohol in the spray (we couldn’t see any figure on the bottle either). They only say that it contains pure isopropanol alcohol, meaning alcohol content is 100% or close.

The bottle is refillable so you don’t need to buy a new bottle once the first one runs out. Just buy isopropyl alcohol in bulk and keep refilling the bottle (this 5-litre can of isopropyl alcohol  has a 99.9% alcohol concentration).

What we like about it:

  • High alcohol concentration.
  • Convenient spray bottle.
  • Small size for easy portability.

3. Cleona Rubbing Alcohol Spray 99.9%, 500ml

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The Cleona rubbing alcohol spray has a 99.9% concentration, making it ideal for cleaning and disinfecting different kinds of surfaces.

The colourless liquid evaporates quickly from surfaces and doesn’t leave any odour.

In addition to cleaning surfaces, the Cleona rubbing alcohol removes silicone, label and sticker remnants as well as grease and oil stains.

You can also use it as a thinner for acrylic paints.

The spray bottle is super easy to use. Just spray the right amount on the surface then rub with a soft cloth or cotton wool.

What we like about it:

  • High concentration.
  • Easy to use spray bottle.
  • Versatile applications.

4. Lucemill Isopropyl 91% Rubbing Alcohol IPA First Aid Antiseptic, 500ml

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Despite the name, Lucemill is more than a first aid antiseptic. You can use it as a general purpose house cleaner.

It sterilises bacteria on common surfaces like the kitchen counter and furniture. It’s also safe for cleaning lenses, screens and electronic components.

Lucemill has an alcohol concentration of 91%, but it should work just as well as other rubbing alcohols in disinfecting surfaces. In fact, because it has more water, Lucemill is more effective at killing bacteria than 99% rubbing alcohol. Water is an important part of the disinfection process.

Lucemill comes with a normal cap – no squirting or spray nozzle. The cap has a child-resistant design for safety.

What we like about it:

  • High alcohol concentration.
  • No odours.
  • Childproof cap.

5. MG Chemicals 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes, 50 Wipes

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These isopropyl alcohol wipes have the same applications as liquid rubbing alcohol. The wipes are saturated with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol, so you can use them for general cleaning and disinfection.

They are great for on-the-go use. You can sanitise your hands and surfaces. At home, the alcohol wipes are great for cleaning lenses, screens and other surfaces.

Pro and hobbyist techies will also find the alcohol wipes useful for cleaning electrical components like cables, circuit board and connectors.

One pack contains 50 wipes, each measuring 6 by 5 inches.

What we like about it:

  • High concentration for better cleaning performance.
  • Wipes leave no odours or sticky residue.
  • Perfect for on-the-go use.

Do you have any experience with any of these products? Please leave a comment below. If you’re looking for some useful cleaning guides, here’s one about gas hobs.

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