Types of Cleaning Alcohol

Alcohols are organic compounds with solvent properties, produced by fermentation, distillation of crude oil and other methods. Alcohols are used as fuels and as component of drinks, perfumes and medical formulations. They are also used as antiseptics and cleaning agents. Tetrahydrofurfuryl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-butyl and furfuryl are some types of cleaning alcohols.

Tetrahydrofurfuryl

Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol is used in pesticide and biocide formulations, fabric dyes and as a cleaning agent. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and the chemical compound limonene are components of a cleaning formulation especially used in electrical and mechanical parts to remove fluxes, greases, oils and waxes.

Ethyl and Isopropyl

Ethyl or ethanol and isopropyl are alcohols commonly used in spot cleaning, reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the "Guide to Industrial Assessments for Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency." Isopropyl alcohol is also used as a dehydrating agent, a preservative, in lotions and as a laboratory reagent, according to "Lab Manager Magazine." Ethyl alcohol is a component of hand sanitizing gels.

N-Butyl and Furfuryl

N-butyl and furfuryl alcohols are often used in industrial cleaning formulations. N-butyl alcohol is 9 percent soluble in water and dissolves fats, resins, varnish and gums, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Furfuryl alcohol is used as a general cleaning solvent. Furfuryl's solvent properties can be enhanced by moderate heating, which should be lower than 167 degrees Fahrenheit, when it starts to evaporate.