What to do with expired rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a common household item used to clean and disinfect wounds. Rubbing alcohol has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Otherwise, it evaporates. It may not kill germs and bacteria as effectively.
Every time the liquid is exposed to air, it also evaporates. Although it has a long shelf life, isopropyl still deteriorates. The ingredient has a shelf life. As it evaporates, it may no longer be as effective at killing germs and bacteria.
Shelf life can range from 1 year to 4 years. But like any other product, it has an expiration date. So what should you do with expired rubbing alcohol? In this article, you will learn how to dispose of expired rubbing alcohol safely and environmentally friendly way.
What is rubbing alcohol?
What rubbing alcohol is, and its uses?
Rubbing alcohol is a chemical used in personal care and general household cleaning. Rubbing alcohol can have serious side effects, including skin irritation and poisoning. Expired rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect tick bites, reduce unpleasant odors, and make homemade ice packs; rubbing alcohol can help clean and disinfect hard surfaces. It is used to clean and disinfect electronic equipment.
Different types of rubbing alcohol
Three types of alcohol are isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl alcohol. They are made from isopropyl alcohol, with concentrations of 68-99 percent alcohol in water. Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are used as disinfectants and antiseptics (Healthline.com).
Both alcohols are effective at killing germs when used in concentrations over 60 percent, but there’s some evidence that ethyl alcohol is less damaging to your skin. Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol work as disinfectants and antiseptics. They are effective at killing germs when used in concentrations over 60 percent, and ethyl alcohol is less damaging to your skin.
Understanding expiration dates
What do expiration dates mean and how they are determined for rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol has an expiration date printed directly on the bottle or the label. The expiration date can be 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture. Rubbing alcohol expires because isopropanol evaporates when exposed to the air while the water remains. By the expiry date, it does not mean you should stop using the rubbing alcohol on the dot, but that is when it starts deteriorating (Investopedia.com).
The risks associated with using expired rubbing alcohol
To be safe, it is best to use rubbing alcohol that has not expired or you will expose yourself to skin rashes, itching, dryness and redness. Inhaling alcohol can irritate the nose and throat. Repeated high exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, unconsciousness and even death. It may not effectively kill germs and bacteria. Expired rubbing alcohol may affect patient health if used to clean skin before injection.
Safe ways to dispose of expired rubbing alcohol
Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility
These facilities ensure the safe disposal and recycling of expired rubbing alcohol. The likelihood of coming into contact with the product is low, so you are safe from the dangers. To avoid the potential risks associated with expired rubbing alcohol, these facilities monitor the use, storage and disposal of the products. However, sometimes service coverage is inadequate, services are inefficient, and recycling activities are limited.
Mix it with kitty litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it in the trash
Disposing waste in a garbage can helps improve air and water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It helps minimize resource depletion and reduces pollution and energy consumption associated with producing new materials. However, our personal information, such as the recipe label, may not be confidential to protect your identity and prevent illegal refills.
Use it as a cleaning solution for non-sensitive items
Rubbing alcohol can kill germs and make surfaces sparkling clean. Because it evaporates quickly, it can bring chrome fixtures or stainless steel appliances to a high shine without leaving water spots. However, it damages the wood surface and discolors the leather.
Evaporate the rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area
Inhalation of rubbing alcohol may irritate the nose and throat. Repeated high exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and even death.
Hazards of improper disposal
The potential dangers of improper disposal of rubbing alcohol, include:
Harmful effects on the environment and wildlife
Rubbing alcohol is dangerous to terrestrial and aquatic life in high concentrations. At low concentrations, isopropanol is quickly metabolized and causes minimal toxicity.
Fire hazards
Vapour is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source. There is a need for proper disposal of expired rubbing alcohol to prevent these hazards.
FAQs
Can expire rubbing alcohol still be used for cleaning or disinfecting?
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, has a long shelf life and can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces. However, its effectiveness may decrease over time and after the expiration date. Expired rubbing alcohol may not be as effective as fresh alcohol and may not kill all germs and bacteria. You should check the expiration date and use rubbing alcohol that has not passed the expiration date for optimal cleaning and disinfecting results. If the rubbing alcohol smells strongly of acetone, it may have degraded and should no longer be used.
Can I pour expired rubbing alcohol down the drain?
It is generally not recommended to pour expired rubbing alcohol down the drain, especially if it contains a high concentration of alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can ignite when exposed to heat or flame, resulting in a fire or explosion. In addition, pouring large amounts of alcohol down the drain can harm the environment, especially if it gets into water sources.
If you have a small amount of expired rubbing alcohol, you can dilute it with water and pour it down the drain. However, if you have a larger amount, you should dispose of it properly. Contact your local waste disposal office or hazardous waste disposal service to learn how to dispose of expired rubbing alcohol in your area safely.
Is it safe to mix rubbing alcohol with other cleaning products?
Mixing rubbing alcohol with certain cleaning agents, especially bleach or ammonia, can produce toxic fumes that can be dangerous if inhaled. It is important always to read the labels of cleaning products and follow the instructions for use, and not to mix different products unless recommended by the manufacturer.
Can I reuse rubbing alcohol after evaporating it?
It’s important to note that simply vaporizing rubbing alcohol doesn’t sterilize it. The alcohol may still contain bacteria or other contaminants even after the liquid has evaporated. However, if the rubbing alcohol is properly sterilized before evaporation, it may be possible to reuse it. This is best done by distilling the alcohol using a distillation kit that separates the alcohol from any remaining impurities. However, it’s generally recommended that fresh rubbing alcohol be used for cleaning and disinfection to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article explains the dangers of exposing expired rubbing to the environment, fire, and users. It is still useable even after the expiry date but tends to evaporate. Proper disposal of expired rubbing alcohol protects your health and the environment. Be aware of the disposal facilities around your area before you empty the alcohol in a drain.
FAQs
What happens if you use expired rubbing alcohol?
The effectiveness of expired rubbing alcohol in killing germs and bacteria may be reduced because the alcohol content may have evaporated over time. For optimal disinfection results, it is recommended that fresh rubbing alcohol be used.
How long can rubbing alcohol be stored?
Rubbing alcohol has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years.
Can rubbing alcohol explode?
Yes, rubbing alcohol can form unstable peroxides over time, making it a potential explosion hazard. Peroxides can form when alcohol is exposed to air and oxygen, especially if it is stored for an extended period of time or in a un airtight container. It is important to store rubbing alcohol properly and check it for the presence of peroxides before use. It is also recommended that expired or possibly contaminated rubbing alcohol be disposed of safely.
Can rubbing alcohol be used as a disinfectant?
Yes, rubbing alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant. It can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi on surfaces and skin. It is commonly used in healthcare to disinfect surfaces and medical equipment. Rubbing alcohol should be used in a well-ventilated area, and following the directions for use is important, such as the recommended concentration and contact time for the particular pathogen you are trying to eliminate.
Is expired rubbing alcohol flammable?
Yes, expired rubbing alcohol is still flammable and should be cautiously handled. The flammability risk may increase if the alcohol has been exposed to air and has formed peroxides. Always store rubbing alcohol in a cool, dry place away from heat and flames.