How Does 160 Proof Alcohol Work as a Sanitizer?

When talking about some of the most common alcohol products, we have to mention 160 proof alcohol or 80% alcohol. This substance can be found in numerous chemical stores such as the Simple Solvents shop.

The product is very popular because of its relatively low price. As such, it makes it ideal for disinfecting larger surface areas.

​Over time, it became popular for labs, pharmacies, and electronic facilities.
In this article, we will see how 160 proof alcohol can be used and what are its main benefits.

How can we benefit from 160 proof alcohol?

This product type is categorized as isopropyl alcohol. The substance comes in several different concentrations, among others, as an 80% alcohol. It is one of the most common disinfectants in the world, and it is especially great when you wish to clean larger surfaces, all the while minimizing costs.

Isopropyl alcohol comes in different concentrations and purity grades. Sometimes, companies will create denatured alcohol out of it. If you know how to use it, the liquid can be great for killing off microbes. Still, it is an alcohol product, so you will have to handle it with care.

What makes 160 proof alcohol good for disinfection?

Although you might think that products with higher alcohol concentrations are better for disinfection, this isn't the case. In fact, these substances need to have a proper balance between water and alcohol to be effective.

Let's take 80% alcohol as an example. The substance mainly consists of alcohol, but it also has 20% of water. The alcohol part is very important for disinfection as it allows us to eliminate fungi, viruses, and bacteria from our midst. If its concentration goes below 50%, we won't be able to use it. However, the same goes for products that have more than 90% alcohol in them.

Isopropyl alcohol, as a disinfectant, provides optimal results in a concentration of 70% to 90%. Water is every bit as crucial for the process as it works as a catalyst. The substance will denature the proteins of cell membranes. Water helps alcohol perpetrate microbes' cells, which will lead to organisms' death.

Due to water content, alcohol will not evaporate as quickly. It will stick to the surface for a long enough time to make an impact on microorganisms. Otherwise, if there is not enough water within the mixture, alcohol will evaporate rather quickly, and it wouldn't be able to kill these threats.

Let's take alcohols with 90%+ concentration as an example. In theory, these chemicals are able to kill bacteria due to their high concentration. But, they simply won't have enough time to make an impact.

Is 160 proof alcohol the same as rubbing alcohol?

Given that this product is a disinfectant, people often like to compare it to rubbing alcohol.
As you probably know, rubbing alcohol is a common antiseptic. It contains somewhere between 68 and 72% alcohol. The rest is, of course, water.

Aside from a combination of water and alcohol, the substance may or may not have stabilizers, color additives, and perfume oils. Because of that, rubbing alcohol is categorized as a denatured product. In other words, its natural properties have changed, and it cannot be used for human consumption.

Rubbing alcohol is very different from 160 proof alcohol. They have completely different purity levels. As mentioned, rubbing alcohol was purposely altered so that we cannot consume it. On the other hand, companies rarely put additional substances in 160 proof alcohol. If they do so, they will classify it as denatured alcohol.

Keep in mind that companies categorize all substances with approximately 70% alcohol as rubbing alcohol. These products can have all sorts of ingredients within them. Sometimes, they can be completely pure without added ingredients. It all depends on the manufacturer and how they package the product.

We call them "rubbing" because you can safely rub these liquids on your skin, unlike some other types of alcohol. Nevertheless, they are still potentially dangerous if you don't use them properly. Both rubbing alcohol and 80% alcohol are highly flammable.

What are the main benefits of presaturated alcohol wipes?

One of the most common products with 80% alcohol is presaturated wipes. They are great for sanitation and cleaning, and you can use them straight from the box. As you can presume, they are especially great for removing microbes.

If a product has between 70 to 90% alcohol concentration, it will be ideal for disinfection. Keep in mind that substances with lower concentrations (such as 70% alcohol) are much better for this specific purpose.

They are generally cheaper than their concentrated counterparts, and they don't leave such a strong odor.
Alcohol wipes are very versatile. Depending on their concentration, they can be used for numerous things. A good example of this is 99% alcohol wipes.

They are especially great for electronic components as they don't stick on the surface for a long period of time. As such, you will be able to clean the products without endangering them.

Companies usually create these wipes, so they don't shed. Otherwise, small fabrics might remain on the tools and products which were cleaned with these wipes.

How to find the right 160 proof alcohol?

This product type is mainly purchased by big companies and institutions. You would buy it in bulk. Alcohol is packaged in big barrels so that it's not damaged during transportation.

​When you open the barrel, it is very important that the substance is handled by a team of experienced professionals. Alcohol is a very volatile substance, especially in larger quantities.

When buying 80% alcohol, you need to purchase it from reputable chemical resellers. The Simple Solvents store is one of the best shops of this type in North America. Once you order alcohol, it will be safely delivered to your company's address.
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When you check the products on our site, you will see exact tech specs that should help you utilize 80% alcohol in a safe, clean manner.