Do not mix with bleach
There are some chemical combinations you should avoid at all costs, and bleach and alcohol are one of them.
The alcohol in alcohol wipes contains ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which when mixed with bleach will produce chloroform, a toxic compound that emits toxic and corrosive fumes. According to the CDC, inhaling chloroform can cause serious problems with the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys, in addition to irritating the skin, lungs, and eyes, and causing nausea and dizziness.
Do not use near flames or smoking
Due to its obvious alcohol content, it is extremely flammable, which means it is important to avoid using it near smoking or any open flames in your home. Therefore, before using any alcohol product to disinfect, always extinguish all candles.
Do not use too many alcohol wipes in unventilated areas
Since isopropyl alcohol is a volatile chemical, it also produces potentially harmful fumes. When you use alcohol to clean your home, be sure to open windows and keep ventilation as good as possible to avoid alcohol poisoning.
Don't use it to clean certain surfaces
Certain fabrics: Isopropyl alcohol in alcohol can effectively remove stains from certain fabrics, removing stubborn stains like ink, grass, grease, or tree sap. While your carpet will thank you for treating it with isopropyl alcohol, keep in mind that some fabrics don't do well with alcohol. It's best to avoid delicate or synthetic materials like acetate, rayon, wool, and silk.
Don't use on certain wounds or skin conditions
Because of its antiseptic properties, doctors often use it to sterilize medical equipment, and you can even use it to sterilize tweezers before removing a splinter, or to clean a small wound on your skin.
But using large amounts of isopropyl alcohol or covering large areas of skin can cause serious harm. Avoid using it to clean wounds or other more serious injuries, as it can delay healing and cause more skin irritation. Also, don't use it on sensitive areas, such as sunburned, dry, or otherwise irritated skin.
Don't swallow
Some first aid kit essentials, like hydrogen peroxide, are safe to take internally in small amounts. But this is not. Even small amounts can cause poisoning if ingested, according to the National Capital Poison Center. As with any other cleaning product, keep alcohol wipes out of the reach of children.
