Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) Wipes

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes can potentially remove or damage oleophobic coatings. Oleophobic coatings are designed to repel oils and other hydrophobic substances, such as fingerprints, from the surface of a device or screen. These coatings are commonly found on smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.

IPA is a powerful solvent and can break down or dissolve certain materials, including some types of oleophobic coatings. If you use IPA wipes on a device with an oleophobic coating, it may compromise or completely remove the coating, leading to a loss of its fingerprint-repelling properties.

Manufacturers typically advise against using alcohol-based cleaning solutions, including IPA, on devices with oleophobic coatings. Instead, they recommend using a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or a cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics with oleophobic coatings. You should always check the device's user manual or the manufacturer's recommendations for proper cleaning procedures to avoid any potential damage.

The personal hazard associated with a solvent is often defined using Threshold Limit Value (TLV), which is the recommended average exposure in an 8-hour day, 40 hour work week. The lower the TLV of a particular substance, the less a worker can be exposed to without harmful effects. TLV is stated on the SDS of chemical products, in additional to recommended personal protection equipment (or PPE). The threshold limit value of a solvent is generally set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The unit of measure is Parts Per Million (PPM).