Rubbing alcohol is a versatile multi-purpose product, mostly used for cleaning. Not only is it affordable, but it is also readily available, ensuring that you do not have to go through a hassling procedure to purchase it. Fortunately, some people also claim it to be an effective tool against carpet stains. However, it’s natural for anyone cleaning their carpet to wonder does rubbing alcohol stain carpet?
Can Using Rubbing Alcohol Leave Stains on a Carpet?
The simple response is no, but it isn’t enough to satisfy your inquisitive mind, right? Well, here is the science behind the answer.
If you’ve ever had alcohol rubbed on your skin, you’ve experienced how cold it feels when it evaporates. This is referred to as evaporative cooling. Alcohol has molecules, much like all other substances. These particles move wildly and are released into the atmosphere when heated to room temperature.
If the rubbing alcohol is pure, the material in the carpet won’t combine with it. Alcohol will constantly strive to float to the top because it is less thick than other liquids, which will help to remove the dirt from your carpet.
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Finally, the dirt will be transferred to the paper towel by blotting the area, and any residual alcohol will evaporate, leaving no trace behind. You can only harm your carpet by scrubbing too vigorously, damaging the fibers. However, that, too, shouldn’t be a problem as carpets are quite durable and can withstand hard scrubbing.
How Can Rubbing Alcohol Ruin a Carpet?
Rubbing alcohol does not necessarily leave behind stains. Since rubbing alcohol is used as a cleaning agent, it is supposed to remove stains, not leave them. With that said, there are several ways it can ruin a carpet. Nevertheless, let’s discuss how using rubbing alcohol can affect your carpet:
Can Rubbing Alcohol Change A Carpet’s Color?
Since rubbing alcohol is a strong agent, it can be possible that it could change your carpet’s color by causing it to fade, right? No, since rubbing alcohol evaporates rapidly, it won’t fade carpet colors.
In addition, rubbing alcohol’s fast evaporation makes it a better cleaning substitute for harmful chemicals that can cause your carpet’s color to change. Hence, rubbing alcohol is suggested by the majority of expert cleaners for many rapid carpet treatments.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Leave A Smell In A Carpet?
Rubbing alcohol has a strong and distinct smell. Not only can this strong smell trigger people’s migraines, but it can also cause nausea if exposed for a long time. So, it is advisable to know whether this powerful agent can leave a smell on your carpet if used as a cleaning agent.
Unfortunately, rubbing alcohol does leave a mild scent on your carpet. However, you can easily eliminate it by applying a paste of two cups of warm water, one tablespoon of vinegar, and a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent. Don’t forget to scrub it with a brush and wash the area with warm water after an hour.
What Concentration of Rubbing Alcohol Should You Use on Carpet?
There are two isopropyl alcohol concentrations available on the market in the form of rubbing alcohol: 70% and 99%. Although you may feel the higher concentration to be more potent, experts claim that 70% is more beneficial for disinfecting. Since it contains more water, it dissolves more gradually, penetrates cells, and kills bacteria without staining our carpet.
Conclusion
Rubbing alcohol might be a strong agent, but it will not leave any stains on your carpet, nor will it cause the carpet’s color to fade. It is advisable to use 70% rubbing alcohol concentration as it is safer. However, you do need to use it cautiously as it will leave a smell on your carpet.
