Today we have a great article discussing the truth about ethanol vs rubbing alcohol for cleaning purposes!
Over the last few years, I have received some emails from readers about swapping out vodka for the rubbing alcohol we use. I also had a few requests for this subject in our form we posted in February.
So, I thought this would be a great article to share with you!
This is the truth about ethanol vs rubbing alcohol for cleaning. I will share with you the chemistry of each one, then how you can use them.
The Truth About Ethanol vs Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Purposes
Here on Chemistry Cachet, we like to use rubbing alcohol for cleaning. We make things like lemon infused rubbing alcohol for cleaning because it makes a BETTER all-purpose cleaner compared to vinegar. In modern day homes, most people have some type of natural stone surface like marble, granite, or travertine. Since vinegar is damaging to surfaces like this, rubbing alcohol makes a great addition to DIY cleaning products.
Plus it works to disinfect, clean, and eliminate odors.
We have a few homemade room sprays on the website which call for alcohol, but instead of rubbing alcohol, we use ethanol in the form of vodka.
So, you might have wondered what the difference is between the two? Or can you swap them out in cleaning?
Let’s breakdown the simple and quick chemistry overview of each one (note we won’t go into the in-depth chemistry of how each one is made for this post).
Rubbing alcohol aka isopropyl alcohol aka isopropanol has the chemical equation C3H80. It contains 3 carbons, 8 hydrogens, and one oxygen. All alcohols contain an OH group (oxygen and hydrogen).
The boiling point is 180.7 degrees Fahrenheit.
Historically, rubbing alcohol was first produced in 1920 by an oil company by hydrating propene. It was then oxidized to acetone. They discovered years later the disinfecting properties of the isopropanol.
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol has the chemical equation C2H60. It contains 2 carbons, 6 hydrogens, and an oxygen. Just like I mentioned above, all alcohols contain an OH group.
The boiling point 172.7 degrees Fahrenheit (just slightly lower than rubbing alcohol).
Drinking alcohols are produced through fermentation. For instance Vodka is produced from starchy or sugary products like potatoes, fruits, or sugars. Here is an article from Live Science that goes into detail on the fermentation of vodka.
Sciencing.com has a little more detail breaking down the alcohol groups and synthesis of ethanol.
Understanding the alcohol chemistry and similarity between these two substances shows how similar they are. How does this relate to cleaning?
What do experts say about ethanol vs rubbing alcohol for cleaning?
According to this study comparing ethanol based wipes to isopropanol based wipes, neither was found to be more superior than the other. In fact, they both did a good job of disinfecting.
Berkshire, the leader of global contamination control, states isopropyl alcohol is used for cleaning simply because it would be hard to get permits for using ethanol as a cleaning agent due to the fact it is heavily regulated by the federal government.
This article from The Stranger answers the question about vodka being able to kill bacteria. The person was wondering if the contamination of fruit would be okay. It brings up a good point that typical ethanol, like vodka, is 40% alcohol. Not enough to really kill viruses or bacteria.
There is a big difference between cleaning an disinfecting, and research shows that 70% rubbing alcohol is the most optimum concentration for sporicidal activity.
My experience using ethanol or rubbing alcohol for cleaning
While the experts have things to say regarding the disinfecting properties, I have used both in cleaning to see which performed better.
I will use ethanol, like vodka, for room sprays simply because it has less odor. You don’t really need something potent for things like this.
In our DIY cleaners, rubbing alcohol works better. I’ve tested it out using both ethanol and rubbing alcohol, the results were better with rubbing alcohol. For both cleaning and disinfecting.
Rubbing alcohol is cheap and can be purchased anywhere unlike ethanol, so that’s another reason I use it.
Ethanol vs Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning on Chemistry Cachet
Science proves they are similar in properties, but I prefer rubbing alcohol for cleaning.
If for some reason you hate the smell of rubbing alcohol, you can sub a white ethanol (vodka). Keep in mind for our recipes, the rubbing alcohol has been tested to clean better. This means it removed more dirt, grim, or food stains. It also left less streaks. Vodka isn’t going to be as high in alcohol concentration either.
On Chemistry Cachet, we recommend rubbing alcohol for our DIY cleaners.
Rubbing Alcohol VS Ethanol for Disinfecting
Here is the most important information regarding rubbing alcohol vs drinking alcohol for DISINFECTING. There is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. For proper disinfecting according to the CDC, it must be 60% or more alcohol. This means most drinking alcohols will not disinfect like rubbing alcohol. You will need to get 120 proof alcohol to meet the 60% recommendations.
What If You Can’t Find Rubbing Alcohol?
We are adding this update in our post because as of right now in 2020, readers are having trouble finding rubbing alcohol in stores!
If you are having trouble finding rubbing alcohol, then you can substitute a white ethanol like vodka or everclear. Remember, proof and percentage of alcohol are different. To get a drinking alcohol with at least 60% alcohol, you need to get alcohol that is 120 proof. Most Vodka you find at the store is 80 proof which is only 40% alcohol…so keep this in mind.
Only substitute drinking alcohol if you are unable to find rubbing alcohol for disinfecting.
What about denatured alcohol?
Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has been poisoned so it cannot be ingested, but works like ethanol.
Do NOT use denatured alcohol for cleaning! It’s dangerous and unnecessary. Learn more about deantured alcohol from Science Direct.
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