Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a versatile household item with many uses. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is a major component of rubbing alcohol as well as regular household items such as cleaners. Here are some of the most common uses of isopropyl alcohol:

• Medical practices: Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as an antiseptic, astringent, and surface disinfectant. It can also be used to evaporate water from the ear, clean makeup brushes, and as a liniment for muscle aches.

• Home health: Isopropyl alcohol can be used as a deodorant, to disinfect a computer mouse and keyboard, and to create a homemade disinfectant. It can also be used to remove ink and permanent marker stains, remove stickers, and prevent ring around the collar.

• Household cleaning: Isopropyl alcohol is useful for cleaning blinds, cleaning dry erase boards, cleaning sinks and chrome, and refreshing sponges. It can also be used to remove hairspray from mirrors and tile, and to clean stainless steel.

• Industrial uses: Isopropyl alcohol is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of industrial and household chemicals. It is a common ingredient in products such as antiseptics, disinfectants, and cosmetics. It is also used as a solvent for coatings or for industrial processes.

• Cleanroom wipedown: IPA is commonly applied during cleanroom wipedown for disinfecting tools and packaging that must pass into ultra-clean spaces.

It is important to note that isopropyl alcohol is excluded from classification as a high-level disinfectant because of its inability to eradicate bacterial spores and hydrophilic viruses such as polio. Its low-level categorization outlines effectiveness for noncritical patient care devices such as blood pressure cuffs.