The Incredible Uses of Denatured Alcohol (2024)

Denatured alcohol has a variety of uses. It’s referred to as “denatured” alcohol because it includes ingredients not made for consumption and toxic if consumed. Not only can it be used as a clean-burning fuel for marine and camping stoves, it works well as a cleaner and sanitizing agent in a variety of commercial and industrial environments. Because denaturing the alcohol doesn’t alter the ethanol molecule, it makes an excellent solvent for many other projects.

Worldwide Janitor’sDenatured Alcohol contains Isopropanol and Methanol and is sold in a case of four, 1-gallon bottles. Because it is considered a hazardous material, additional shipping costs will be added to the order when shipped via UPS. Our packaging of this product is the best cost saver for people looking to buy in bulk, large amounts at a time, having it shipped via a freight carrier.

Glass Cleaner

Diluted properly, denatured alcohol works well as a window cleaner, leaving a streak-free shine. Mix the diluted denatured alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray it on windows and use a squeegee to clean them. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe any additional cleaner off of the windows. Because denatured alcohol evaporates quickly, you’ll be able to see the results of cleaning the windows almost immediately.

General Cleaner and Sanitizer

Denatured alcohol can be diluted to assist in general cleaning and sanitizing. This includes toilets, bathroom stalls, sinks, kitchens and almost any other hard surface. Dilute the denatured alcohol with equal parts of warm water. Wearing gloves, dip a clean rag in the mixture and wipe down areas such as tables, sinks, stoves and countertops. Denatured alcohol can be poured directly into the toilet, then scrubbed and flushed to sanitize the bowl. It can also clean mirrors using a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It can also be used to sanitize areas such as receptacles for liquid hand soap, hand towels and to sanitize door handles.

Remove Ink Stains

Ink stains are common in office settings. Pretreating an ink stain with denatured alcohol can assist in removing the stain from clothes and other textiles such as curtains and upholstery. Before using it, test a hidden area of the textile to ensure the denatured alcohol won’t ruin it. If it’s safe, use a small amount of denatured alcohol on the stain and a clean, cotton or textured rag to scrub the stain. Allow it to work for a few minutes, then remove the denatured alcohol with a clean, damp rag.

Remove Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew can be a nuisance, especially in commercial and industrial buildings susceptible to high levels of humidity. This includes underground basem*nts, industrial and commercial facilities near water, such as the ocean, lakes and other areas with high humidity levels. Equal parts of denatured alcohol and water sprayed directly onto mold and mildew will eliminate it. Spray the mold or mildew with the denatured alcohol mixture. Allow it to soak for a few minutes, then wipe the surface with a clean damp rag and allow it to dry. You may choose to use an industrial fan to assist the drying process. Because mold and mildew can eventually destroy structures, staying ahead of it is critical.

Cleaner for Metal Parts

Unlike other cleaners that may tarnish metal parts and other surfaces, denatured alcohol is an excellent choice to clean metal parts and surfaces. Because it evaporates so quickly, it won’t ruin the metal, but clean and sanitize it properly. This includes stainless steel appliances used in commercial kitchens and many other mechanical parts on cars. Some companies that manufacture the parts recommend using denatured alcohol to clean them.

Assist in Removing Tape and Other Sticky Substances from Surfaces and Floors

Many commercial and industrial facilities use tape on windows, refrigerators and other areas to hang signs or post information for customers and employees. The tape often leaves a sticky residue. Other substances, such as gum and food can create more work while cleaning floors. Wipe the sticky substance with denatured and a dry cloth. Allow it to saturate the spot. Use a tool, such as a metal-edged paint scraper lightly to remove sticky substance. Repeat the process if necessary.

Cleaner for Untreated Wood and Mixing with Shellac

Untreated wood needs to be cleaned before treating the wood with a stain, shellac or paint. Denatured alcohol assists in cleaning the wood after sanding it to prepare it for other projects. Wear protective gloves and treat the wood outside in a dry area. Use a lint-free cloth and wipe the wood with undiluted denatured alcohol. The denatured alcohol will dry quickly and clean the wood. After the wood is dry, stain, paint or install the untreated wood.

Not often used because it’s been replaced with polyurethane and other resins, shellac works best if thinned with denatured alcohol. Mixing denatured alcohol and shellac in equal parts can make cleaning dust, finishing or resurfacing porous wood an easy job. Use a cheese cloth or lint-free towel to apply it. Stop hinges from tarnishing over time by using equal parts of shellac and denatured alcohol. It also works well as a primer for wood to allow the wood to absorb the shellac more evenly. If you use shellac, always have denatured alcohol to assist it on wood surfaces you plan on refinishing.