Equate 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, 32 fl oz

70% isopropyl alcohol is generally more effective as a disinfectant against bacteria, viruses, and other microbes compared to 91%. The key reason is that the 30% water content in the 70% solution helps the alcohol penetrate cell walls more thoroughly, allowing it to denature proteins and disrupt cellular structures before evaporating. In contrast, 91% isopropyl alcohol evaporates faster and tends to coagulate proteins on the surface of microbes, forming a barrier that can reduce its overall killing power, especially against certain pathogens—it may require longer contact times to achieve similar results. That said, 91% can be preferable for non-disinfection tasks, like cleaning electronics or removing adhesives, where quicker drying and less water residue are beneficial. For general sanitizing (e.g., on skin or surfaces), stick with 70% unless specified otherwise by health guidelines.