Isopropyl Alcohol vs Denatured Alcohol - Informational Only

[Pappadō]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9) - Bob

I am only posting this as I have read on - not just this forum, but many others - that some of us use one over the other - I found this, as well as all the other posts, interesting and informative. Happy Cleaning!

Can I Use Isopropyl Alcohol Instead of Denatured Alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol have different structures, formulas, and reactions. Find out if you can use them interchangeably in our article.

www.chemicals.co.uk

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yeh, I don't know the differences in those things. So, I just use kerosene. Works for me.

 

[peregrinus]

Yeh, I don't know the differences in those things. So, I just use kerosene. Works for me.

 

[BROBS]

I always thought denatured alcohol was less pure and therefore might have toxic/unknown impurities?

 

[jeff540]

Denatured alcohol is essentially high proof ethanol (aka Everclear) with chemicals (bitterants) added to make it non-consumable (and hence not subject to the same taxes and regulations as consumable spirits).

I would NOT use denatured alcohol to clean pipes, for concern that those bitterants would eventually ghost the pipe.

 

[BROBS]

Denatured alcohol is essentially high proof ethanol (aka Everclear) with chemicals (bitterants) added to make it non-consumable (and hence not subject to the same taxes and regulations as consumable spirits).

I would NOT use denatured alcohol to clean pipes, for concern that those bitterants would eventually ghost the pipe.

ok that's the stuff I was thinking of..

I've seen mint rubbing alcohol.. is it for drinking by homeless folk?

 

[diamondback]

You mean the yummy green Listerine? Don’t knock it, it’s gotten me through many business meetings. ?

 

[BROBS]

 

[whsergent]

If you arent using drinkable alcohol, its best to use 91 percent isopropyl. Check to make sure it has no coloring or additives so that when it evaporates it leaves behind only water.

Denatured alcohol contains poisons. So that when the alcohol evaporates something nasty is likely left behind or absorbed by the briar.

 

[whsergent]

I would NOT use denatured alcohol to clean pipes, for concern that those bitterants would eventually ghost the pipe.

Benzene is a commonly used adulterant in denatured alcohol and causes cancer. There is more to worry about with denatured alcohol that just a little off taste.

 

[mikestanley]

I've been using 91% Iso to clean pipes for years. I can't get grain alcohol in Ohio. Never a problem. I let the pipe sit for a day or two before smoking it after cleaning.
Mike S.

 

[sandollars]

Here is my Pipe cleaning fluid, right here. Tastes like sh*t, but the pipes seem to like it....

 

[perdurabo]

I’ve been using Gasoline per your instructions over 5 years ago. When did you switch?

Yeh, I don't know the differences in those things. So, I just use kerosene. Works for me.

 

[craig61a]

Been using this forever. No ill effects, other than the colors, and the headache the next day. But that might be from the bourbon... I don’t know. Sometimes I get the glasses mixed up.

 

[bullet08]

So.. Drinking really quick and pissing it out really fast doesn't help?

 

[Chasing Embers]

If anyone has any estates from SPC, they use denatured alcohol to clean them.

Estate Smell, What Is It? :: Pipe Tobacco Discussion

My Ben Wade Amber just got here today, and it has a smell to it that is quite pleasant. A few of my estate aquisitions and a tobacco jar I got from ebay a while back have the same smell. It is slightly sweet with a nutty, vanilla,cinnamon, sandalwood kind of smell. Would really like to find the...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[whsergent]

If anyone has any estates from SPC, they use denatured alcohol to clean them.

Estate Smell, What Is It? :: Pipe Tobacco Discussion

My Ben Wade Amber just got here today, and it has a smell to it that is quite pleasant. A few of my estate aquisitions and a tobacco jar I got from ebay a while back have the same smell. It is slightly sweet with a nutty, vanilla,cinnamon, sandalwood kind of smell. Would really like to find the...

pipesmagazine.com

Well i guess thats the last estate i will buy from them.

 

[gamzultovah]

I keep a bottle of Bacardi 151 around for cleaning (sweetening) pipes. It’s now discontinued so I use it sparingly.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Good read thaks for bringing this up

 

[lochinvar]

I just stick to Graves or Crystal Spring. They are 190 proof and cheaper than Everclear.