Are you familiar with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide? They’re not advertised much. They’re simple, inexpensive liquids that sit on pharmacy or supermarket shelves until they manage to make their way into a new household hint or hack on the web.
There are times when it’s best to use one and not the other. But one benefit they both share is that they can be used as antiseptics.
What Are Rubbing Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide?
Both products are antiseptics — germ killers. People started using antiseptics back in the mid-1800s to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Frequent handwashing has reduced the spread of germs in the modern world, but antiseptics are still doing their part. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are two of the most common.
Rubbing Alcohol vs. Hydrogen Peroxide for Killing Germs
Rubbing alcohol is effective against bacteria such as E. coli and staph, killing them within 10 seconds. It's also good at killing the virus that causes COVID-19 when used on surfaces such as countertops.
Hydrogen peroxide is another antiseptic, or disinfectant, that kills viruses and various forms of bacteria. But it needs more time than rubbing alcohol to kill germs. It takes up to five minutes to do its job. Hydrogen peroxide also can kill the virus causing COVID.
Researchers have looked into whether rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide work against stubborn infections that cause problems in hospital settings, including methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), and Clostridium difficile. In one study, both products worked against MRSA and VRE, but hydrogen peroxide was more effective against C-Diff.
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill fungi, too.
Which product you use depends on what germs you're trying to kill, the surface you're trying to kill them on, and how much time you have. Rubbing alcohol works faster, but it can damage porous surfaces such as wood or granite. It might take protective coatings off other surfaces. You can use hydrogen peroxide on many household surfaces. it can disinfect a wooden cutting board, though you should rinse the board afterward.
Hydrogen peroxide has a bleaching effect. You can use it, for instance, to improve the appearance of tile grout. But be careful using it on fabrics, as it can remove dye.
Both products are extremely harsh on the skin. If you need to clean a wound, the best choice is soap and water.
Rubbing Alcohol
Generally, the type of alcohol in rubbing alcohol is isopropyl. It's mixed with water.
How does rubbing alcohol work?
It's sold in different strengths. The rubbing alcohol percentage of isopropyl ranges from 50%-90%. At high concentrations, it can damage your skin. But if the concentration is too low, it's not as effective. Look for products that are 70% isopropyl.
Isopropyl kills germs by breaking down their protective coatings.
Rubbing alcohol uses
Here are some ways rubbing alcohol can be used:
During surgery. Rubbing alcohol that is 70%-90% isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for killing germs and viruses in surgical settings.
Disinfecting medical objects. Rubbing alcohol can effectively disinfect objects such as thermometers and other shared objects that are known to attract bacteria. You can also use rubbing alcohol to sterilize door handles and other surfaces.
Cleaning your tech. You can wipe down your phone, keyboard, mouse, and other things that get handled frequently. Just put some alcohol on a cloth and swipe it over the items. You may want to choose 90% alcohol for this because it evaporates faster.
Sanitizing your shoes. Put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and mist the inside of your shoes. It will kill bacteria and reduce odor.
Boosting your deodorant. Use a lower-concentration rubbing alcohol for this because alcohol will dry out your skin. Put some on a cloth and swipe it over your underarms. It will kill the bacteria causing body odor. But don't do this if you've just shaved your armpits. It will sting.
Keeping beauty products clean. Manicure tools, tweezers, and other items can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol to kill germs. You can even use it on makeup brushes. Swirl them in a container filled with rubbing alcohol, then let them air dry.
Risks of rubbing alcohol
Here are some of the drawbacks of using rubbing alcohol.
Tough on the skin. Some people tout rubbing alcohol as an astringent to tone your skin, but it will dry your skin out. And avoid using it on open skin. Most experts now advise against putting rubbing alcohol on wounds, such as cuts or scrapes. It can damage healthy tissue.
Harshness. Rubbing alcohol on its own can be harsh on the finishes of objects you apply it to. Depending on the item, it may cause damage to whatever you're trying to sterilize. It’s especially harmful to shellac, rubber, and plastic.
Flammability. If items soaked in alcohol make contact with a heat source, they can burst into flame. Use and store rubbing alcohol only in a well-ventilated area.
Poison. Make sure you keep your rubbing alcohol out of reach of children. Rubbing alcohol is colorless, and they may think it's water. But it's poisonous. You should seek immediate medical attention for anyone who has swallowed rubbing alcohol.
Don't use it for fever. You may have seen home remedies that suggest bathing in rubbing alcohol or applying it to large parts of the body to bring down fever. It might cool the skin briefly, but the risks — including alcohol poisoning — outweigh any benefits.
How to apply rubbing alcohol
Dampen a cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and apply it to the surface you're cleaning. You also can use a spray bottle and mist the surface. You can let the alcohol evaporate, or you can wait a minute and wipe the surface with a clean cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is basically water with an extra oxygen molecule.
How does hydrogen peroxide work?
The extra oxygen molecule in hydrogen peroxide causes oxidation, which is the source of its cleaning power. Oxidation destroys cell walls, and that causes substances to break down into less harmful components.
Look for products that are 3% concentration. They may be labeled "medical grade." You can find hydrogen peroxide with higher concentrations labeled "food grade." But you don't need a product that strong.
Hydrogen peroxide uses
Hydrogen peroxide has many uses around your home.
Cleaning objects. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution works well on many surfaces. The list includes counters, trash cans, bathroom fixtures, toys, cutting boards, and doorknobs.
Washing produce. Hydrogen peroxide can remove germs and pesticides from fruits and vegetables just as well as products sold specifically for that purpose. Fill your clean sink or a large bowl with water, then add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Wash your produce, then rinse it in clean water and let it dry.
Removing stains. The oxidation process can break down stains and make them easier to clean off. You can spray it on a stain on a white carpet and then blot it with a clean cloth. White clothes can be soaked in a solution of water mixed with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes, then laundered. But remember that hydrogen peroxide will damage colored fabric the same way bleach will.
Keeping beauty products clean. You can wipe down tweezers and manicure tools with hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and germs.
Risks of hydrogen peroxide
Here are some of the drawbacks of using hydrogen peroxide.
Tough on the skin. People traditionally have used hydrogen peroxide to clean out wounds. However, experts now advise against that, as it can damage vulnerable skin. Instead, wash wounds with soap and hot water. Let water run over the wound to flush out any debris. Also, don't use hydrogen peroxide on acne. It can make things worse.
May slow healing. Hydrogen peroxide works by killing all bacteria. So, if you use it on your skin, it may also kill germs that help your healing process.
Can lose effectiveness. The oxygen in hydrogen peroxide can break down. That's why it comes in a dark brown bottle.If you store it in a dark, cool space for a long time, you'll find that it stays powerful. If it's lost its fizz, it's no longer effective.
How to apply hydrogen peroxide
Make sure you have good ventilation and wear gloves when you use hydrogen peroxide. If you're using it to disinfect household surfaces, wash them first with soap and water. Then spray with a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Let it sit for five minutes — remember, hydrogen peroxide doesn't work as quickly as rubbing alcohol. It's OK to let most surfaces air dry. But if you're cleaning something that touches food, such as a cutting board, rinse it in clean water after you've used hydrogen peroxide.
Rubbing Alcohol vs. Hydrogen Peroxide: Which One to use
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide have their uses as antiseptics. However, the best way to clean out your cuts and scrapes is with soap and water.
You may find rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide useful to keep on hand at home. But they shouldn't be your go-to DIY antiseptic.
Takeaways
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can be effective disinfectants, as they kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You can use them on many surfaces in your home. In the past, people have used both products to clean wounds, but experts now advise against that. Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue. The best way to clean a cut or scrape is with soap and water.
Rubbing Alcohol vs. Hydrogen Peroxide FAQs
Is it safe to mix rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide?
As a general rule, never mix cleaning products. Always read the label and follow directions.
What shouldn't be mixed with isopropyl alcohol?
Don't mix rubbing alcohol and bleach. This mixture can create chloroform, which is toxic.
What shouldn't be mixed with hydrogen peroxide?
Don't mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. This combination can create an acid that may irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs.
Is rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide a better disinfectant?
The answer depends in part on what you're cleaning. Rubbing alcohol kills germs faster but may damage certain surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is more effective against certain bacteria.
Why use hydrogen peroxide instead of rubbing alcohol?
You can use it on some surfaces, such as wood or granite, that alcohol might damage. You also can use hydrogen peroxide diluted in water to wash produce; however, you should never use rubbing alcohol on food.
Why shouldn't you use hydrogen peroxide on wounds?
Hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Experts now recommend that you avoid using hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol on open skin. Washing with soap and water is the best way to clean a wound.
