What's the difference between rubbing alcohol and vodka?
Rubbing alcohol (usually isopropyl alcohol) is a toxic, petroleum-derived solvent used for disinfecting and cleaning, typically at 70–99% concentration, and should never be ingested. Vodka is a beverage-grade ethanol (produced from fermented grains/potatoes) at ~40% ABV, meant for consumption, though it can be used for cleaning or deodorizing.
Rubbing alcohol is definitely not the type of alcohol you would drink, because of its high proof. Isopropyl-based rubbing alcohol doesn't contain the ethyl alcohol that you need in alcoholic drinks; and ethyl-based rubbing alcohol uses denatured alcohol, which includes at least one bitter poison that renders it toxic.
For disinfecting, the best rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) substitutes are ethyl alcohol (ethanol) (60-95% concentration), hydrogen peroxide (3%), or bleach solutions, depending on the surface and goal, while for general cleaning, distilled white vinegar or hand sanitizer can work, but household items like vinegar lack strong disinfecting power. The best choice depends on if you need to clean (remove dirt) or disinfect (kill germs) and the surface type.
In the UK, Rubbing alcohol refers to isopropyl alcohol. It is commonly called Surgical Spirit. It comes in different concentrations, often from 70 to 90%, with water making up the remainder.
Manufacturers are permitted to use their own formulations, and retail rubbing alcohol typically contains between 70% and 99% alcohol by volume, depending on the specific product and intended use.
Actually it is because the initial use in the 1920s was for massage therapy. They used perfumed infused rubbing alcohol as a liniment (like a lotion on skin). Thus the term rubbing alcohol. Now it is used as a disinfectant for surfaces or skins when cut.
Vodka, on the other hand, is usually around 40% alcohol. So, even though it's still alcoholic, it's much less concentrated than rubbing alcohol. That means it doesn't pack the same punch when it comes to cleaning. The lower alcohol content in vodka makes it less effective cleaning.
Granite and Marble. Although rubbing alcohol can effectively sanitize most surfaces safely, you'll want to find another go-to cleaner for granite and marble. ...
For disinfecting, the best rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) substitutes are ethyl alcohol (ethanol) (60-95% concentration), hydrogen peroxide (3%), or bleach solutions, depending on the surface and goal, while for general cleaning, distilled white vinegar or hand sanitizer can work, but household items like vinegar lack strong disinfecting power. The best choice depends on if you need to clean (remove dirt) or disinfect (kill germs) and the surface type.
Surgical Spirit is a versatile and essential product that should be a part of every household's first aid kit. This alcohol-based solution is specifically formulated for cleaning, disinfecting, and preventing infection in minor cuts, wounds, and abrasions.
Surgical Spirit BP is a liquid prepared and used primarily for topical application. It is prepared from a special denatured alcohol solution which contains approximately 70% by volume of pure, concentrated ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. View other products in Hygiene »
The solution is most often available in concentrates from 70 up to 99.9 % alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is the same as surgical spirit; 'rubbing alcohol' is the more common term in the USA, whereas 'surgical spirit' is more frequently used in the UK. It is instantly available to buy without a prescription in the UK.
Isopropyl alcohol has been called the first petrochemical (IARC, 1992). It can be prepared via three different methods: indirect hydration of propylene, direct hydration of propylene, and catalytic hydrogenation of acetone.
