Where to Find Rubbing Alcohol In Stock at Walmart, CVS, and Major Grocery Stores in 2024

As an essential household disinfectant and first aid antiseptic, rubbing alcohol continues to be a sought-after staple for Americans from all walks of life. However, ongoing supply chain disruptions have recently made this versatile cleaning product harder to keep consistently stocked on store shelves.

When you need rubbing alcohol in a pinch, here’s an expert guide on exactly where to find it at national retailers like Walmart, CVS, Kroger, and more – plus tips to get your hands on it when supplies are scarce.

Understand Recent Rubbing Alcohol Shortages

According to market research firm IRI, rubbing alcohol sales spiked over 50% in 2020 due to heightened consumer demand during COVID-19. However, suppliers have struggled to expand production fast enough to meet needs.

Additionally, manufacturers source rubbing alcohol’s main ingredient (isopropyl alcohol) from the same plants that create important disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizers. This further tightens availability.

Below is a 2022 graph highlighting weeks when major chains faced rubbing alcohol out-of-stock issues:

Experts predict tight supplies and quotas to persist through mid-2023. So consumers should prepare for occasional trips to multiple stores.

Locating Rubbing Alcohol at Walmart

Walmart stocks a few options typically in the Pharmacy section:

• Equate 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Antiseptic – 32 oz – $2.98
• Swan Rubbing Alcohol 70% – 32 oz – $2.98
• Equate 91% Isopropyl Alcohol Solution (Behind Pharmacy Counter) – 32 oz – $3.28
• Equate 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol – 32 oz – $2.54

However, during cold and flu season, Walmart may implement quotas limiting purchases to a few bottles per customer. Specific item availability also varies store-to-store.

Pro Tip: Call your neighborhood Walmart pharmacy to ask if rubbing alcohol is in stock before visiting. Or use the Walmart App to check local inventory.

Finding Rubbing Alcohol at CVS, Rite Aid, and More

CVS: CVS Health 70% Isopropyl Alcohol in First Aid section + behind pharmacy counter

Rite Aid: TopCare Isopropyl Solutions (70-90%) in First Aid

Kroger: Kroger, Simple Truth, or Private Selection brand solutions from 60-91%

Albertsons/Safeway: Safeway, Signature Care & Value Corner 70% bottles in First Aid

Publix: Publix Premium 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Solution in Preventive Care

Most pharmacies restrict sale of concentrated 91%+ solutions to protect against ingestion misuse.

Shoppers frustrated by sold out pharmacy shelves should try checking cleaning aisles for diluted specialty formulas too.

Expert Pick: Equate 91% Isopropyl Solution

While name brands advertise rigorous purification methods, Walmart’s affordable Equate 91% formula rivals costly chemical-grade alcohols for disinfecting power. Treat it with care like any harsh solvent.

Alcohol solutions over 70% better sanitize wounds and surfaces by fully penetrating cell walls to denature viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Hence hospitals use 90%+ medical-grade preparations.

Rubbing Alcohol Uses and Alternatives

Before substituting, consider whether applications call for antiseptic-level sanitization or just basic cleaning.

For Disinfecting: Choose ethyl alcohol or dilute bleach solutions.

For Cleaning: Try vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or saline wound wash.

For Skin: Opt for gentler soaps, surgical scrubs, or saline.

Thoroughly rinse surfaces after using any rubbing alcohol stand-in. And never mix chemicals without checking for dangerous reactions!Stay healthy!