Outside the world of alcohol inks, Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as Isopropanol or IPA) has many uses around the home so if you are wondering whether to take the next step to purchase a 5L container or a 20L container, take a look at the list of ways IPA can be used around the home or in the garden! It’s a worthy bulk purchase.
Isopropyl Alcohol is a solvent, which means it is able to dissolve other substances. Since Alcohol Inks are also solvent-based when used with IPA they react, which is how interesting effects on work surfaces are produced. IPA can be classified as 100%, 91% or 70% – this refers to a purity grade, anything less than 100% contains purified water.
Isopropyl Alcohol is antimicrobial and can kill microorganisms such as bacteria, germs and fungi. This means that undiluted 100% IPA is an anti-bacterial cleaning solution and will perform the following, however, always spot test on an inconspicuous area first:
Home
- Disinfects and sterilises surfaces (e.g. kitchen, bathroom and laundry, even kids toys) – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Removes sticky grime and residue from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry surfaces – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Removes and kills mould – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a cloth (repeat as necessary)
- Cleans window glass – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth, it’s non-streaking
- Cleans Venetian blinds – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Deters fruit flies – apply with a spray bottle
- Cleans stainless steel – apply directly then wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Deodorise smelly shoes – apply with a spray bottle
- Cleans first-aid medical equipment – soak or apply directly then wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Sanitises and cleans makeup brushes, and salon tools – soak then allow to air dry
- Repair broken eyeshadow – apply a couple of drops or spray the palette to remoisten the mixture then rub your finger across the pieces to help merge them together, let dry for a few hours
- Cleans surfaces before applying adhesive – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth
- Removes dust and lint from raw polymer clay – apply with a cotton tip
Office
- Cleans computer/device screens – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth, it’s non-streaking
- Cleans glasses – apply with a spray bottle and wipe with a microfibre cloth, it’s non-streaking
- Removes permanent markers from surfaces – apply to a microfibre cloth then wipe or apply with a spray bottle then wipe
- Cleans the residue build-up on the 3D printer – apply to an area directly or to a microfibre cloth then wipe
Garden
- Disinfects and sterilises garden tools – apply with a spray bottle
- Pesticide against mealybugs – make a spray solution of 1:10 dilution in water. Then do a patch test on a leaf and then spray on the plant. Leave it for 4 to 5 hours and then rinse the plant with water. Repeat after a week if necessary.
- Weedkiller – apply with a spray bottle
These are just some of the ways you can use Isopropyl Alcohol. When in use, always remember to use Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) in a well-ventilated area and do not ever use near an open flame. If purchasing from Craft Pantry, the isopropyl alcohol is manufactured in Australia and the containers are recyclable.
