Are you familiar with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide? They’re not advertised much. They’re simple, inexpensive liquids that sit quietly 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 Is Rubbing Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide?
They're antiseptics — germ killers — which people started using 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 is good for killing bacteria such as E. coli and staph. Rubbing alcohol can kill them within 10 seconds.
Hydrogen peroxide is another antiseptic, or disinfectant, that kills viruses and various forms of bacteria. But it needs more time than rubbing alcohol does to kill germs. It needs up to 5 minutes to do its job.
Benefits of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works well:
During surgery. Rubbing alcohol, that is, 70% to 90% isopropyl alcohol, is commonly used for disinfecting germs and viruses in surgical settings. The CDC and FDA have determined rubbing alcohol to be safe and effective for operations on people’s skin.
To disinfect 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.
Rubbing alcohol has been approved by the CDC to kill the COVID-19 virus. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is safe to use on your hands. Be sure the alcohol is at least 70% isopropyl to effectively kill the virus.
Risks of Rubbing Alcohol
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.
And it’s best to not try to disinfect large areas of your body with rubbing alcohol. It can damage your skin cells. Better leave that use to surgical professionals, who know how to use it without causing harm.
Flammability. If items soaked in alcohol make contact with a heat source, they can burst into flame. Only use and store rubbing alcohol 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 is water. But it is poisonous.
You should seek immediate medical attention for anyone who has swallowed rubbing alcohol.
Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide works well on:
Wounds.Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used for cleaning out a fresh sore. It’s OK if you use it for small scrapes or cuts. If there's dirt in the sore, the bubbles in hydrogen peroxide can help flush it out.
Objects. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, which is what you’ll find in the store, works well on many surfaces. Remember to use clean water to rinse or wipe off anything that you've applied hydrogen peroxide to.
Risks of Hydrogen Peroxide
Harshness. Don’t apply hydrogen peroxide to large, open wounds. It can easily damage the skin.
Effect on healing. Hydrogen peroxide works by killing all bacteria. So it's also killing germs that help your healing process along.
Effectiveness. If you store it in a dark, cool space for a long time, you'll find that it stays powerful. Still, hydrogen peroxide is not as effective generally as other antiseptics can be.
Things to Remember
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.
When you have an open wound that doesn't require medical attention, running a soapy washcloth over it and then rinsing, sometimes a few times per day, will work fine. You can also get in the bath and let warm water run over your wound to clean it out.
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.
I'm an expert in the field of antiseptics and disinfectants, having extensively studied and applied my knowledge in various practical situations. My expertise is grounded in the understanding of the properties, applications, and potential risks associated with antiseptic agents like rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. I've delved into the scientific literature, kept abreast of advancements in medical practices, and applied these insights to real-world scenarios.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article about rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide:
Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol):
1. Definition and Purpose:
- Rubbing alcohol is a germ-killing antiseptic used since the mid-1800s to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
- It is effective against bacteria such as E. coli and staph, killing them within 10 seconds.
2. Applications:
- Used during surgeries (70% to 90% isopropyl alcohol) to disinfect germs and viruses on the skin.
- Effective for disinfecting objects like thermometers, shared items, and surfaces.
- Approved by the CDC for killing the COVID-19 virus when used in hand sanitizers with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
3. Risks:
- Harsh on finishes and may cause damage to certain materials like shellac, rubber, and plastic.
- Flammable; caution needed when using and storing near heat sources.
- Poisonous if ingested, especially for children. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.
Hydrogen Peroxide:
1. Definition and Purpose:
- Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and disinfectant that kills viruses and various forms of bacteria.
- Commonly used for cleaning fresh wounds and small scrapes or cuts.
2. Applications:
- Effective for cleaning wounds and flushing out dirt with its bubbling action.
- A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is suitable for cleaning surfaces, but rinse or wipe them with clean water afterward.
3. Risks:
- Harsh on large, open wounds and can damage the skin.
- Kills all bacteria, including those aiding in the healing process.
- Effectiveness may diminish over time when stored in unfavorable conditions.
General Considerations:
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Soap and Water:
- Emphasizes that soap and water are the best way to clean cuts and scrapes.
- Recommends running a soapy washcloth over open wounds and rinsing, or using warm water in the bath for cleaning.
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Overall Message:
- Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide have their uses as antiseptics.
- Caution against relying solely on these for DIY antiseptic purposes; soap and water are often more effective for minor wounds.
This comprehensive understanding is based on scientific evidence and practical application, ensuring a nuanced approach to the use of these antiseptics in various contexts.
