70% Isopropyl Alcohol

The bottle of rubbing alcohol from the pharmacy shelf. Fills the pump dispenser, wets a cotton round, cleans a surface.

Last edited · written by PepPrep

  • 70%, not 99%
  • 250 mL – 1 L

What it’s for

Cheaper per wipe than pads by a mile, once you're cleaning a tray and a bottle top every time. Pads are still better for the stopper itself.

What to check in the listing

70% — the water in it is what makes it work; 99% flashes off before it has done anything. Buy the size you'll use in a few months, keep the cap tight, and don't decant it into a spray bottle you'll leave on a sunny windowsill.

At a glance

TypeAlcohol for wiping
Active70% isopropyl alcoholActive is the ingredient that does the cleaning. 70% isopropyl alcohol is the standard skin wipe; chlorhexidine and benzalkonium are the alcohol-free options for skin that stings. Glossary
Used forCleaningUsed for lists the situations this product is for; the decision tool and the Finder match on these.
PriceBudgetPrice tier is the rough position within its category, not a live price: budget is the cheapest sensible option, premium costs more for a reason the page explains.
TravelChecked bag onlyTravel says whether it is practical to fly with: carry-on means it goes through security without fuss.
SterileNoSterile means individually sealed and sterile until opened; anything that touches the inside of a vial or your skin should be.
Pack1Pack is how many come in the listing this site links to; it is shown only where every store's listing gives the same count. Check it against the listing, since photos often show ten and ship one.
ReusableYes

Specifications above were recorded from the Amazon listing on 2026-09-03. Listings change hands: open the listing for its current description, price and availability.

For what to wipe, with what, and where the used sharps go afterwards, read Harm reduction and safety: the checklist.

Category
Sterile Prep
Also useful
Build a full kit →

Tools for this: Narrow this category by specification · Compare side by side

Others in Sterile Prep

Alcohol Prep Pads (200-count)Individually wrapped alcohol prep pads (also sold as…
70% Isopropyl Alcohol SprayA spray bottle of the same 70% alcohol, for wiping down…
Nitrile Gloves (100-count)Powder-free disposable gloves, latex-free.
Sterile Gauze Pads, 5×5 cm (2×2 in)Individually wrapped sterile gauze squares.

Often used with this

Push-Down Alcohol DispenserA pump bottle you press a gauze square or cotton pad…
Cotton RoundsThe flat cotton discs sold for make-up removal. Pressed…
Disposable Prep MatsAbsorbent single-use pads you lay down as a clean work…
Lint-Free Lab Wipes (Kimwipes)The thin, lint-free tissues every lab keeps on the bench.…

Read before you buy

Harm reduction and safety: the checklistGuide
Sterile technique at homeGuide
Alcohol pads, chlorhexidine or barrier wipes?Guide