Is 75% Alcohol Harmful to Car Paint?
2 Answers
Alcohol can cause certain damage to car paint. As an organic solvent, frequent use of alcohol to clean a car can corrode the paint surface and cause harm. It is recommended to dilute alcohol with water when washing the car to avoid damage to the paint. Here are some additional details: 1. Method for disinfecting the car interior with alcohol Before using 75% alcohol to disinfect the vehicle, ensure the car is turned off and not in operation. Maintain proper ventilation since 75% alcohol has a flash point around 22°C and evaporates quickly. Avoid any open flames nearby and control the amount of alcohol used to prevent high air concentration, which could lead to an explosion. 2. Correct method for washing a car: Car paint is typically high-temperature baked, giving it excellent resistance to abrasion. Generally, organic solvents do not significantly affect the paint. However, alcohol has poor dissolving power, and prolonged use may dull the paint's shine. Additionally, while driving, the car often accumulates tiny visible or invisible sand particles. Directly wiping the car with alcohol may cause scratches. Therefore, it is advisable to first rinse the car with clean water, apply car wash soap, rinse again, and then dry. For stubborn stains, use a dedicated automotive adhesive remover.
Last time I used 75% alcohol to clean stains near the car windows, I noticed the paint surface became slightly darker and felt sticky to the touch. In fact, high-concentration alcohol can indeed harm car paint because the ethanol it contains dissolves the wax layer and clear coat on the paint surface, causing it to lose its shine. Over time, the paint may fade, turn white, or develop fine cracks, especially under high summer temperatures which accelerate chemical reactions. I now use dedicated car cleaners or water-based disinfectants, which are safer. When cleaning, use a soft cloth and gently wipe, avoiding repeated rubbing. Additionally, if you must temporarily use alcohol to disinfect high-contact areas like door handles, remember to rinse with water as soon as possible afterward and apply a layer of car wax to reinforce the surface. This helps reduce risks, maintain the paint's shine, and extend the vehicle's aesthetic lifespan.