How to Safely Use Denatured Alcohol in Your Home

Denatured alcohol is ethanol or alcohol that has an added toxic chemical, which makes it unsafe for humans to consume it. In most cases, 5-10% methanol is added to the alcohol to make it bad tasting. You’ll often find this ingredient in cleaning products and cosmetics.1

While isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and denatured alcohol can be confused with each other, they are not the same thing and have different chemical compounds. Denatured alcohol is toxic and flammable, so it’s important to know how to use it safely.1

Uses of Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol was developed during the Prohibition era when the United States government began adding methanol to industrial alcohol in an effort to deter people from drinking it. However, their efforts backfired.2

In 1926, when the “Noble Experiment” of adding poison to alcohol was first implemented, people chose to drink the concoction anyway, especially during the holidays, and then suffered the consequences. Twenty-three people died in New York City alone that year, and many more were left permanently blind. The experiment was eventually repealed seven years later, but historians estimate that before that occurred, 10,000 people died from drinking denatured alcohol.2

Despite its less-than-desirable beginnings, today, denatured alcohol is used in a variety of different ways, and its consumption is not as frequent—though it does still occur.3 Here are some ways people use denatured alcohol in the modern era:45678

Home cleaning and disinfection: Because denatured alcohol has antimicrobial properties, it can be mixed with water and used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. It will help eliminate grease and paint and reduce mold and mildew.

Medical cleaning and disinfection: Denatured alcohol is often used to clean and disinfect hospital surfaces, such as surgical room equipment or patient room counters. Evidence suggests it can kill E. coli, cold viruses, and norovirus.

Fuel source: Camping stoves and other small devices can use denatured alcohol as an inexpensive fuel source.

Cosmetics: When used in cosmetics, denatured alcohol is often listed as “alcohol denat” or “specially denatured (SD) alcohol.” Manufacturers put denatured alcohol in cosmetics because of its drying abilities.

Household products: Denatured alcohol is also an active ingredient in several household products, such as window cleaners and de-icers.

Preserving specimens and samples: Denatured alcohol is often effective in helping to preserve different organisms, which is particularly useful to scientists who work in research labs.

Hand Sanitizers and Denatured Alcohol

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed companies to use denatured alcohol to make hand sanitizer. However, this permission was only temporary and the FDA has since ordered that all companies stop producing hand sanitizer products with denatured alcohol by December 31, 2021.9

Differences Between Denatured and Isopropyl Alcohol

Although denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol can be used in similar ways, they have different chemical makeups. Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol or ethanol that contains toxic additives like methanol that make it unfit for human consumption.1

Isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol) is usually found in 70% concentration and is not as toxic as denatured alcohol. However, it can still be dangerous, especially for young children, if you drink it. In fact, it is the most common type of toxic alcohol ingestion reported to Poison Control each year.10

Risks of Poisoning

Poisoning from denatured alcohol usually occurs as a result of accidental ingestion, though some people deliberately drink denatured alcohol, often due to substance use disorder (SUD). When this happens, the consequences are dire.3

Drinking as little as 10 milliliters (mL), or about two teaspoons, of methanol (often found in denatured alcohol) can cause permanent blindness. Drinking 100-200 mL (or 3 to 7 ounces) is fatal. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract can quickly absorb methanol—usually in 30-60 minutes. As such, complications can occur fast.3

When treating poisoning in the emergency room, it can often be challenging to differentiate methanol poisoning from the normal effects of drinking alcohol. It can take 12-24 hours to determine methanol intoxication, especially if the person is exceptionally drunk and sleeping.3

Disposing Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol, whether in its original form or as part of a paint solvent, shellac, de-icer, expired hand sanitizer, or household cleaning item, is considered a hazardous waste and carries some risk of poisoning.

Do not pour denatured alcohol or products that contain it down the drain. They can interact with the vapors in your water pipes and sewer systems, leading to fires and explosions. These products can also contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems. Instead, wrap the container and place it in a trash can for garbage collection.11

Safety Considerations

If you have denatured alcohol in your home, or if it’s an ingredient in another product that you use, it’s important to take precautions when using and storing the liquid. Here are some tips for safely using it in your home:12

Keep it away from open flames: Denatured alcohol is highly flammable, so you need to avoid smoking around it and keep it away from open flames.

Make sure you have proper ventilation: Inhaling fumes from denatured alcohol can cause headaches and dizziness, so make sure you open a window if you’re cleaning something with it.

Do not ingest it: Denatured alcohol is toxic, and ingesting it can result in blindness or even death.

Wear protective eyewear and gloves: Denatured alcohol can irritate the eyes and skin, so it’s important to take the proper precautions when using it.

Store it in a safe and secure location away from children: Because denatured alcohol is flammable and highly toxic if ingested, it’s important to pick a safe and secure location for storage. It should be in a cool, dry place where children cannot access it.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you or a loved one accidentally (or even intentionally) ingested denatured alcohol, it’s important to get emergency help right away. Call poison control or 911 and head toward the nearest emergency room.

Researchers indicate that within one hour of drinking it, people may feel nauseous, vomit, and have stomach pain. Headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision also are common.3 Some people may also experience drowsiness, confusion, and ataxia (inability to coordinate muscle movements).13

That said, do not assume that if there are no symptoms initially, there isn’t an issue. It’s also possible that a person may not experience symptoms right away. However, the more time you wait between exposure and treatment, the worse the toxicity gets and the higher the risk of serious complications.13

A Quick Review

Denatured alcohol is alcohol that has an added toxin (such as methanol) to make it bitter-tasting and dangerous for human consumption. Instead, the ingredient is found in several cleaning, household, and cosmetic products.

If you use denatured alcohol in your home, keep safety at the top of your mind. Be sure you’re storing it safely, wearing protective clothing and eyewear, and keeping it away from flames. If you or a loved one ingests it, get medical attention immediately, as serious complications can occur without treatment.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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