Methylated Spirits

 

Facts and Uses

METHYLATED SPIRITS – As an inexpensive, clean burning, easily transported and extinguished fuel, methylated spirit is an ideal choice as a cooking fuel for the outdoors/small camping stoves.

It is an effective household cleaner and stain remover. Because it evaporates quickly and does not streak, methylated spirit works well on hard surfaces such as metals and glass. It is recommended as a cleaner for home electronics such as keyboards and CD/DVD laser lenses.

As a mild solvent methylated spirit is effective in removing sticker residue from auto glass, nail polish and some types of stains from fabric, but test the fabric in an unobtrusive area to make sure the alcohol does not affect the color.

Use methylated spirit in woodworking to remove sawdust from wood surfaces. It effectively removes excess sawdust that may be trapped in the wood grain without opening the grain. Methylated spirit also evaporates quickly, allowing the craftsman to continue work immediately after cleaning the wood surface.

CAUTION:

  • Extreme caution should be exercised when using methylated spirit as a fuel as the alcohol flames are not visible but can cause severe burns
  • The solvent properties of methylated spirit make it unsuitable for use on varnished or unsealed painted surface.
  • When using power tools, the methylated spirit must completely evaporate before continuing work, as it is highly flammable.
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