Rubbing alcohol (typically isopropyl alcohol) and hydrogen peroxide are common household disinfectants used for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. While each product is safe and effective when used alone, combining them initiates a chemical process that creates a new, far more hazardous compound. This mixture is often sought out by people looking to create a “super cleaner,” but the resulting chemical reaction makes the combination unsuitable and unsafe for general use.
Formation of Peracetic Acid
Mixing isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can lead to the formation of an unstable mixture that acts as a strong oxidizer. Isopropyl alcohol can be oxidized by the hydrogen peroxide, especially over time or with heat, potentially creating compounds that react further. This reaction can result in the formation of peracetic acid, also known as peroxyacetic acid, which is significantly more corrosive and volatile than the two starting materials.
Peracetic acid is a powerful chemical compound that is commercially used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent, but it is manufactured and stabilized under controlled industrial conditions. When household concentrations of alcohol and peroxide are mixed, the resulting formation of peracetic acid is not controlled or stabilized. The chemical is always present in a solution that also contains the original alcohol and peroxide, making the entire mixture unpredictable and more dangerous. The potency of the resulting solution increases over time, meaning even small amounts mixed and stored can become increasingly hazardous.
Hazards of the Resulting Mixture
The peracetic acid mixture created by combining these two household chemicals poses serious health and safety hazards. One of the most immediate dangers is the toxicity of the fumes, which can cause severe respiratory irritation. Inhaling the strong, pungent vapors can lead to burning in the throat and lungs, potentially causing chemical pneumonitis or other serious respiratory distress.
Direct contact with the mixture is highly corrosive to living tissue, presenting a significant risk to skin and eyes. Exposure can result in severe chemical burns, blisters on the skin, and irreversible damage to the eyes. Additionally, the mixture is a strong oxidizer, which means it can react violently with other substances and is corrosive to many common materials, including metals and plastics.
The mixture also carries an inherent instability, especially if it is stored in a sealed container for any length of time. The ongoing chemical reaction can generate gases, leading to pressure buildup inside the container, which presents a risk of rupture or explosion. This instability is compounded by the fact that the reaction can also produce different types of unstable organic peroxides. For user safety, the mixture should never be contained in a closed bottle or container.
Safe Storage and Use of Individual Components
Since both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are effective disinfectants on their own, they should be used separately to avoid the creation of hazardous compounds. When using either product for cleaning, ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent the inhalation of fumes. Proper ventilation helps quickly disperse the volatile organic compounds present in the alcohol and any irritating vapors from the peroxide.
To prevent accidental mixing, both chemicals should be stored in their original, clearly labeled containers with the caps tightly sealed. They must be kept away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and especially away from each other. Storing flammable liquids like isopropyl alcohol away from oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide is a standard safety protocol. Always check the expiration dates on both products, as they lose efficacy over time and should be replaced once expired.