How to Create Your Own Ethanol Rubbing Alcohol at Home

Creating Your Own Ethanol Rubbing Alcohol

During the height of the Coronavirus pandemic in the Spring and Summer of 2020, obtaining essential items such as rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer proved to be quite a challenge. Ironically, these very items are crucial for eliminating germs and curbing the virus’s spread. The world was simply not equipped to handle a crisis of this magnitude. As we approached winter and spring, some experts warned of a potential resurgence of cases. December 2020 saw a significant increase in COVID-19 infections globally, alongside the emergence of a new variant that spread more rapidly.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own rubbing alcohol at home, step-by-step, using everyday ingredients like sugar, water, yeast, and some basic supplies. With this knowledge, the next time a global health crisis arises, you’ll be better prepared to sanitize your surroundings!

While it might seem a bit unconventional, crafting your own ethanol alcohol can be an engaging and educational activity for the entire family. With children at home, parents have a unique opportunity to teach them about science and the world around them. What better way to demonstrate how fascinating science can be?

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ethanol Rubbing Alcohol

The method we’ll employ to produce our ethyl rubbing alcohol closely resembles the traditional process of distilling moonshine. This technique utilizes a simple sugar base, which undergoes fermentation and distillation to yield alcohol.

Using accessible ingredients and tools, you should achieve a concentration of around 50% alcohol, and with extended fermentation, it may even reach a potency sufficient to combat mold (around 70%). However, without proper distillation equipment, gauging the exact potency of the final product is challenging. It’s vital to note that drinking this mixture is strictly forbidden.

Isopropyl alcohol can be toxic if ingested. While small amounts may not be fatal, it can cause serious health issues, including potential coma. This recipe is intended solely for topical disinfection!

Now, let’s dive in and create our very own alcohol!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Supplies

First, you’ll need to gather some straightforward ingredients. Most of these can easily be sourced from your local grocery or hardware store. If any items are unavailable, you might need to order them online. The overall cost should be under $50. Once you have the tools, you can reuse them for future batches, only needing to replenish sugar and yeast.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs of sugar
• 1 gallon of distilled water
• 1 jar of yeast (either baker’s yeast or brewer’s yeast)

And here are the supplies:

• 2 large glass jugs with lids
• 2-3 feet of copper tubing
• 2 large, wide cooking pots
• 1 food thermometer
• 1 funnel for pouring ingredients
• Duct tape for sealing

Step 2: The Fermentation Process

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients and tools, it’s time to channel your inner distiller! The initial step is arguably the simplest. You’ll mix the ingredients and let them sit for about two weeks while you relax and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Sounds easy, right?

1. In your large glass jug, combine the 2 pounds of sugar with the jar of yeast.
2. Heat the gallon of distilled water in a large pot until it reaches 115 degrees Fahrenheit (use your thermometer for accuracy).
3. Once the water is adequately heated, pour it into the jug with the sugar and yeast, using a funnel. Leave a bit of space at the top of the jug.
4. Secure the lid on the jug, but make sure it’s just slightly loose to allow CO2 gas to escape.
5. Store the jug in a cool, dark area where it won’t be disturbed, and let it sit for two weeks.

Step 3: The Distillation Process

After two weeks, let’s hope you haven’t forgotten about your concoction! Now comes the most intricate part of the process—distillation. This step involves evaporating the alcohol from your fermented mixture into a new jug using copper tubing.

1. Using a drill, create a hole in the lid of the fermentation jug. It should be just wide enough for the copper tubing.
2. Insert one end of the tubing into the hole and use plenty of duct tape to ensure an airtight seal.
3. Repeat this step with your second glass jug, placing the other end of the tubing into it.
4. Position the fermentation jug in a large pot filled with water, ensuring it sits comfortably in the center.
5. Place the empty jug (with the tubing) into a similarly sized pot filled with ice. The temperature difference will expedite the evaporation process.
6. Now, heat the pot with the fermentation jug over medium-high heat. As the water boils, the fermented liquid will begin to evaporate into the copper tubing and drip into the empty jug.
7. Be prepared to monitor the boiling process throughout the day, adding more water to the boiling pot as needed.
8. Once all the liquid has transferred from the first jug to the second, the distillation is complete!

Here are some additional articles you might find interesting:

• Can Rubbing Alcohol Kill Mold?
• Will Rubbing Alcohol Remove Acrylic Paint?
• Alternatives to Rubbing Alcohol
• Using Rubbing Alcohol to Clean Leather
• Can Rubbing Alcohol Be Used on Car Paint?

How to Store Your Ethanol Rubbing Alcohol

Once you’ve completed the distillation process, you should have several quarts of your very own ethyl rubbing alcohol. While it may not match the potency or effectiveness of commercial isopropyl alcohol, it can still serve as a reliable disinfectant, providing an additional layer of protection against germs and bacteria.