Hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores 78, 654.

Under defined conditions the corrosive effect of several disinfectants (hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, formaldehyde, beta-propiolactone, Wofasteril, Lysoformin and Tegodor 73) was investigated with different metals and synthetic products after repeated aerosolation.

Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with their metabolism. Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue or skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.

Antiseptics and disinfectants are both widely used to control infections. They kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi using chemicals called biocides. Disinfectants are used to kill germs on nonliving surfaces. Antiseptics kill microorganisms on your skin.

“That off-putting smell—sometimes described as rotten garbage or tequila-like—is the natural byproduct of ethanol being made from corn, sugar cane, beets, and other organic sources,” explained Zlotnik. “[Ethyl alcohol] production is highly regulated.

Keep your Hands Clean – Three Alternatives to Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

• Antiseptic hand wipes. They also serve the purpose but be careful not to mistake them for baby wipes.
• Alcool “swab”
• Antiseptic spray.

If the sanitizer becomes cloudy it is generally because it has been exposed to air. The cloudy sanitizer can be removed and replaced. If it seems the cloudiness is coming from macroinvertebrates it most likely means that they have begun to rot.

To summarize, rubbing alcohol works as a minor cleaning solvent and is meant to be applied as an antiseptic. Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent, a fuel additive, and for sanding or finishing purposes and should never be applied as an antiseptic or consumed.

Denatured Ethanol is considered more effective as a virucidal disinfectant, as isopropanol is not effective against non-enveloped viruses.

While isopropyl alcohol can be used in many of the same applications as denatured alcohol, there are certain uses that denatured alcohol is more suited towards. In sample preservation, for example, IPA can be used but only in concentrations of 90% which is generally difficult to obtain.

Rubbing alcohol is a generic term and is usually manufactured with isopropyl alcohol. Different brands of denatured alcohol contain various denaturants such as bittering agents. The purpose is to discourage recreational human consumption by including additives that are bad tasting, bad-smelling or nauseating.

How Dangerous Is It to Consume Rubbing Alcohol? When it comes to drinking rubbing alcohol, the digestive tract suffers the most, even when only swallowing a small amount. The body metabolizes these extremely high alcohol levels into acetone. If consumed to intoxication, the substance can lead to organ damage.

Vodka, by definition, is ethanol cut with water to at least 80 proof (40 percent purity). More often, commercial vodkas are fermented and distilled from wheat, rye, or corn.

Drinking Everclear can quickly cause alcohol poisoning, a condition that can lead to death. Other dangers include addiction, fatal car crashes, brain damage and serious medical problems.