Does Rubbing Alcohol Cause Rust? A Gamer‘s Guide to Cleaning Metals

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a lifelong gamer and PC builder, keeping my equipment clean and rust-free is a top priority. And in my experience, rubbing alcohol is completely safe for cleaning metal gaming gear and won‘t cause any rust or corrosion issues.

The Science – How Rubbing Alcohol Interacts with Metals

Rubbing alcohol refers to any liquid made up mainly of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Typical drugstore varieties are 70-90% isopropyl alcohol mixed with water and sometimes fragrance and dye.

Now as a chemist-turned-gamer, I can confirm that pure isopropyl alcohol does not react with or corrode most common metals. This includes staples like stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, copper, and brass.

IPA can temporarily damage protective coatings like paint or lacquer. But the alcohol molecules themselves don‘t interact with metal molecules in ways that cause oxidation or rust. And any coatings can be reapplied after cleaning.

  • In fact, rubbing alcohol is considered so non-reactive that it‘s often used in labs for cleaning and drying metal equipment!

To give some numbers, lab tests found almost zero corrosion on stainless steel and aluminum even when immersed for a month in 100% isopropyl alcohol. And other metals saw corrosion rates less than 1% of what they‘d see in water after 30 days of exposure.

So while alcohol isn‘t fully inert, pure isopropyl alcohol won‘t directly cause any significant level of corrosion or rust formation on metals. Which makes it an ideal cleaner for gaming and PC building needs!

Effectiveness for Removing Rust on Metal Gaming Gear

Not only is rubbing alcohol safe for cleaning metal surfaces, it can actually help remove rust from steel tools, hardware, and other equipment!

The solvent properties allow rubbing alcohol to dissolve rust deposits. Higher concentrations like 91% or 99% work even better than standard 70% pharmacy blends.

My go-to for tackling rust on old consoles or parts is to:

  1. Soak the affected area in 99% isopropyl alcohol for 10-20 minutes
  2. Gently scrub with a wire brush or steel wool to physically remove the loosened rust
  3. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely

This process uses the rubbing alcohol to penetrate and chemically break down the rust, while the brushing provides abrasion to clear it away. Leaving you with a clean, rust-free metal surface ready for priming/painting or other finishing.

And for removing more extensive rust buildup, I‘d recommend trying citric acid or phosphoric acid rust converters. But alcohol works perfectly fine for minor surface-level rust.

  • Pro tip – finish up by applying a protective clear coat to keep future rust at bay even longer!

Rubbing Alcohol Uses and Tips for Gaming and Modding

When cleaning and maintaining all the metal surfaces in advanced mods and gaming rigs, rubbing alcohol is a staple in my toolbox.

Here are some of my personal tried-and-true uses:

  • Cleaning CPU chips – cotton swabs and 99% alcohol allow safe cleaning of processors to enable the use of liquid metal thermal paste for ultra high performance overclocking
  • Prepping surfaces for painting/gluing – wipe down metal framing, cases, acrylic sheeting, rads, etc. to remove any oils or debris that could interfere with optimizing the finish
  • Sanitizing water cooling parts – radiators, pumps, reservoirs, and other loop components can be disinfected with alcohol to prevent any organism growth and maintain peak temperatures
  • Electronics maintenance – cleaning corrosion or dust buildup from connectors, edge fingers, and control boards helps restore full contact and prevent shorts/errors

And some top tips:

  • Stick to anhydrous 99% IPA formulations for evaporating fast without residue
  • Allow full drying time before reconnecting power or turning devices on
  • Spot test plastics if unknown, but most like acrylics, PU, or ABS are alcohol-safe
  • Follow safety guidelines – work in a ventilated area and avoid sparks/flames

So there you have it friends – for us gamers and case modders, rubbing alcohol is 100% safe for cleaning metal and should definitely be in your toolkit! Prevent those crashes and keep your gear running smooth.

Let me know if this helps explain alcohol‘s non-reactive properties when it comes to metals and rust. I‘m happy to chat more or dig into the chemistry research if interested! Game on!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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