Lena Savoie
Cleaning certain items with alcohol can cause them to crack, depending on the material. For example, cleaning wood with alcohol will strip away the colour of the finish and eventually cause the wood to split. Alcohol can also cause cracks in acrylic, which is a type of plastic commonly used for storage containers. This is because the alcohol penetrates the plastic, causing it to swell, and if the plastic is too rigid, it will crack. Additionally, alcohol can corrode the coatings of fragile jewellery containing pearls or opals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Acrylic, wood, rubber, pearls, opals, costume jewelry, plastic |
| Effect of alcohol | Cracking, crazing, discoloration, cloudiness, splitting, corrosion, staining, splintering, deterioration |
| Alternative cleaning methods | Microfiber cloth, mild soap, water, non-abrasive sponge, specialized cleaner, denatured alcohol, baking soda, vinegar |
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What You'll Learn
- The type of alcohol used to clean your piece matters
- The material composition of your piece is important
- Evaporative cooling of the alcohol may cause stress and cracking
- The thickness of the surface increases, but the volume of the polymer remains the same
- The plastic swells as ethanol penetrates, causing cracks
The type of alcohol used to clean your piece matters
Additionally, while isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean some types of acrylic, it is not suitable for all acrylic products. For example, using isopropyl alcohol to clean acrylic containers can cause them to become cloudy, discolored, and prone to cracking over time. This is because the alcohol breaks down the plastic, making it susceptible to bacteria. Similarly, while isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean some types of jewelry, it should not be used on fragile pieces with pearls or opals, as it can corrode their coatings.
Another factor to consider when choosing the type of alcohol for cleaning is the concentration. For example, a solution of at least 90% isopropyl alcohol is required to effectively remove dry erase marks. A concentration of 50% or higher is also recommended when using isopropyl alcohol for medical purposes, such as an antiseptic.
Furthermore, while isopropyl alcohol can be an effective cleaner, it may not be the best choice for all materials. For example, while it can be used to clean rubber, it is not recommended for regular use as it can cause the rubber to deteriorate over time. Instead, an alcohol-free cleaning solution or soapy water is suggested for day-to-day maintenance.
In summary, the type of alcohol used for cleaning depends on the material being cleaned and its sensitivity to different types of alcohol. While isopropyl alcohol is a versatile option, it should be used with caution on certain materials to avoid damage. Additionally, the concentration of the alcohol solution may need to be adjusted depending on the specific cleaning task.
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The material composition of your piece is important
Acrylic and Plastic
Acrylic, a type of plastic commonly used in clear organising containers and water blocks, is particularly susceptible to damage from alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can break down the plastic over time, causing discolouration, cloudiness, and eventually cracking. This is because the polymer chains in the acrylic are soluble in the alcohol, causing them to disentangle and leading to the formation of cracks as the surface dries and thickens.
Wood
Alcohol should be avoided when cleaning wooden pieces, as it can strip away the finish, causing discolouration and splintering. This includes handmade wooden items, wood furniture, and wood finishes like lacquer, shellac, or varnish. Instead, mild soap and water or specialised wood cleaners are recommended.
Jewellery
While alcohol can be used to clean certain types of jewellery, it should be avoided when it comes to pearls, opals, and costume jewellery. The solution can corrode the coatings of these fragile pieces, damaging them. A soft cloth for dust and mild detergent for deeper cleans is recommended for these items.
Rubber
Although alcohol can be used occasionally to remove stubborn stains on rubber, regular use will cause the material to deteriorate. It is best to stick with alcohol-free cleaning solutions or mild soap and water for day-to-day maintenance.
Ceramics
When cleaning ceramic pipes, alcohol can be used gently to avoid damaging the glaze. However, prolonged soaking in alcohol should be avoided as it can weaken the glaze. Eco-friendly alternatives to alcohol for cleaning pipes include salt and vinegar, baking soda and vinegar, or a combination of salt, baking soda, and water.
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Evaporative cooling of the alcohol may cause stress and cracking
While it is a good idea to clean your prized possessions regularly, it is important to be aware of the materials that do not respond well to rubbing alcohol. One of the reasons why your piece may crack after cleaning it with alcohol is due to the phenomenon known as "environmental stress cracking". This occurs when the alcohol dries and the polymer chains adhere to each other, but cannot re-entangle in time, resulting in the formation of cracks and crazes.
Evaporative cooling of the alcohol plays a crucial role in this process. When alcohol is used to clean certain materials, such as acrylic or wood, it can penetrate the surface and cause swelling. If the bulk of the material is too rigid to accommodate this swelling, it can lead to stress and cracking. The rapid evaporation of alcohol can also contribute to the formation of cracks as the material dries and contracts.
For example, when cleaning acrylic with rubbing alcohol, it is essential to ensure that the alcohol has fully evaporated before handling the item. Any residual alcohol can introduce weaknesses into the material, making it prone to cracks and leaks. Similarly, using alcohol to clean wood can strip away the finish, causing the wood to split and making it more susceptible to staining and splintering.
To prevent evaporative cooling from causing stress and cracking, it is advisable to avoid using alcohol to clean certain materials, especially those that are fragile or prone to deterioration. For instance, when cleaning jewelry, it is recommended to avoid using alcohol on pearls or opals as it can corrode their coatings. Instead, gentle cleaning methods, such as wiping with a lint-free cloth or washing with mild detergent and water, are suggested.
Additionally, when dealing with rubber or ceramic items, while alcohol can be used occasionally to remove stubborn stains, frequent use will lead to deterioration. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for alcohol-free cleaning solutions, such as commercial cleaners or soapy water, for day-to-day maintenance.
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The thickness of the surface increases, but the volume of the polymer remains the same
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a common and versatile household item used for various purposes, including cleaning and disinfecting. While it can be effective for removing stains and killing bacteria, its use is not suitable for all materials.
When it comes to cleaning acrylic or plexiglass with alcohol, it is important to note that this can lead to cracking. Acrylic is a type of plastic commonly found in items like clear organizing containers and laser-cut sheets. While cleaning with alcohol, the solvent can cause the surface of the acrylic to thicken without changing the volume of the polymer. This results in the formation of cracks and crazes, a phenomenon known as environmental stress cracking.
The cracking occurs because the polymer chains in the acrylic become temporarily disentangled when exposed to the alcohol solvent. As the solvent dries, the chains quickly try to re-adhere to each other but cannot entangle in time, leading to increased surface thickness and the formation of cracks. Additionally, the penetration of ethanol into the polymer may cause swelling, and if the bulk of the plastic is too rigid, it can result in cracking as it cannot accommodate the swelling.
To avoid this issue, it is recommended to clean acrylic and plastic items with a soft, microfiber cloth or hand wash them using mild soap, water, and a non-abrasive sponge. This method effectively removes dirt and grime without causing damage or discolouration.
It is worth noting that the effect of alcohol on different materials varies. For example, alcohol can be used to clean certain types of jewellery, but it should be avoided for fragile pieces containing pearls, opals, or costume jewellery as it can corrode their coatings. Similarly, alcohol should not be used to clean wood as it can strip away the finish, cause discolouration, and lead to splitting.
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The plastic swells as ethanol penetrates, causing cracks
The use of alcohol, especially isopropyl alcohol, for cleaning plastic items is not recommended. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as 2-propanol or IPA, is a common chemical with strong antibacterial properties, making it effective at destroying germs. However, it can damage the surface of various plastic polymers, leading to undesirable outcomes.
One of the main issues with using isopropyl alcohol on plastic is the residue it leaves behind. This residue, often described as a white haze or powder, is caused by the alcohol's hygroscopic nature, drawing moisture and impurities from the atmosphere and the plastic itself. While dilution with water or the use of specific oils can help reduce this residue, it may not always be effective.
Additionally, the application of isopropyl alcohol can cause the plastic to swell as the alcohol penetrates the surface. This swelling can lead to cracks in the plastic, especially over time. The extent of swelling and cracking depends on the type of plastic and the concentration of alcohol used. For instance, high-density polyethylene exhibits minimal damage when exposed to isopropyl alcohol at certain temperatures.
To avoid damaging plastic items, it is recommended to use alternative cleaning methods. Mild soap, water, and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth are generally safe options for cleaning plastic. Specific plastic-friendly household cleaners or diluted vinegar solutions can also be considered for more effective cleaning without causing damage.
In summary, the use of isopropyl alcohol on plastic can lead to swelling and cracking due to its penetration into the plastic surface. This effect, along with the residue issue, underscores the importance of exercising caution when considering alcohol as a cleaning agent for plastic items. Alternative cleaning methods are generally safer and less likely to cause undesirable outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol is a good solvent that can attack the surface of certain materials, such as acrylics, and dissolve the polymer chains, causing them to swell and potentially crack upon drying. This is known as environmental stress cracking.
Yes, it is recommended to use a soft natural bristle brush, like a Japanese hake brush made from sheep hair, for smaller artifacts. For larger, less delicate pieces, a horsehair brush from Uline is suitable. Additionally, a soot sponge can be used to gently press and lift stubborn accretions like soot.
Alcohol, such as ethanol or denatured alcohol, is suitable for cleaning most metals without active corrosion. It can also be used to clean bones found at archaeological sites as it evaporates quickly and does not cause the bone to crack.
It is important to carefully assess the material and condition of the artifact before cleaning. For example, ceramics must be glazed and free of cracks or chips before wet cleaning with alcohol. It is also recommended to consider whether the accretions on the artifact are a result of its history of use, as removing them may eliminate an important part of the artifact's story.
