How long does rubbing alcohol last?

Rubbing alcohol is a versatile cleaner that has become increasingly popular in recent times. From cleaning wounds to sanitizing surfaces and removing stains, rubbing alcohol can do it all. But how long does rubbing alcohol last? In this article, we will explore various factors that affect the shelf life of rubbing alcohol.

What is Rubbing Alcohol?

Before delving into the details, let’s first define what exactly is rubbing alcohol. Also known as isopropyl or surgical spirit, it is a colorless liquid with a strong odor used primarily for its disinfecting properties. It contains about 70-91% ethanol (ethyl alcohol) by volume and can be found in most pharmacies and drugstores.

Not your regular drinking buddy

Rubbing alcohols are not meant for consumption – despite having similar chemical structures with ‘drinkable’ alcohols such as whiskey or brandy. That’s because drinking excessive amounts of isopropyl or ethyl alcohols – could harm one’s internal organs causing serious medical conditions.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life of Rubbing Alcohol

There are several things you should keep in mind when storing your bottles of rubbing alcohol:

Percentage concentration

Generally speaking, higher percentage concentrations will have longer shelf life lower ones. Since they contain less water content which acts as an agent for bacterial growth abetted further with time onset caused by external factors like exposure to air; they tend to maintain their potency over longer periods compared to diluted versions – simply put higher percentage>lower dilution>better preservation!.

Storage container material:

Plastic containers tend to leach acetaldehyde –a harmful preservative– then are more prone towards vapor leaks than glass alternatively; storing them out of direct sunlight at room temperature would help prevent te breakdown process according John Bowerman chemistry specialist points out.

Together Toward Better Senescence – Here’s a neat little ‘cheat sheet’ to gauge how long your rubbing alcohol would last under normal/favorable/storage conditions:

CONCENTRATION % SHELF LIFE (in years)
70% isopropyl alcohol 3-5
91% isopropyl alcohol 5+

Storage Conditions

How you store your rubbing alcohol makes all the difference when it comes to extending its shelf life. Ideally, rubbing alcohol should be stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or any heat source, which can cause evaporation and speed up the degradation process.

Note:

Do not refrigerate your bottle of rubbing alcohol; certain chemicals like alcohols break down on low temperatures potentially compromising its effectiveness completely.

Expiration Dates

It may come as a surprise that most rubbing alcohols have expiration dates. According to Bowerman, these are usually located on the label or stamped onto the packaging itself making it much easier for consumers to keep track of their limitations. Rubbing alcohols shouldn’t really go ‘bad’; however when they remain unused and open for extended periods of time past said expiration date periods–the product may tend/will become less effective. At this point you’re better off buying new fresh stock than using compromised remnants.

In Conclusion

To answer our question: How long does rubbing alcohol last? Well roughly anywhere up-to 5 years if stored properly.Who knew often neglected item could provide numerous surprising benefits & practical uses at home! From sterilizing surfaces (especially now during pandemic days);to refreshing one’s smelly shoes by simply wiping some over them!. But always remember “freshness” dictated by external factors plays major part in prolonging this multi-purpose liquid existence thus also maintaining high quality standards we’ve grown accustomed to; simples.

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