IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) cleaning cotton swabs have the following advantages and disadvantages:

Strong dissolving ability
IPA is an excellent organic solvent and has a good dissolving ability for grease, dirt, dust, etc. For example, when cleaning the oil stains on electronic devices, it can quickly break down the oil molecules, making them easier to remove. For instance, around the heat sink on a computer motherboard, there may be dirt accumulated from long – term use, a mixture of thermal grease residue and dust. IPA cleaning cotton swabs can effectively dissolve these dirt, restoring the heat – dissipation performance of the heat sink.
Good volatility
IPA has good volatility and can evaporate quickly after cleaning. This allows the cleaned surface to dry rapidly without leaving water stains. For some precision electronic devices and optical instruments, such as mobile phone screens and camera lenses, it will not cause damage or affect performance due to residual liquid. For example, after cleaning a mobile phone screen, due to the rapid evaporation of IPA, the screen can be used immediately without problems such as blurring the screen due to water stains or causing short – circuits.

Precise cleaning
The design of cleaning cotton swabs enables precise cleaning of some narrow spaces and delicate components. For example, in electronic devices, the gaps between keyboard keys and the pins of electronic components are difficult to clean with ordinary cleaning tools, but cleaning cotton swabs can easily reach these areas for cleaning. In terms of medical equipment, small and delicate parts such as the test ports of blood glucose meters and the ear tips of stethoscopes can also be well – cleaned by cleaning cotton swabs.
Easy to operate
It does not require complex tools or equipment. Users only need to hold the cotton swab and wipe. Whether it is used to clean electronic devices in a home environment or to clean instruments and equipment in laboratories and medical facilities, anyone can operate it after simple training or reading the instructions. For example, ordinary users can easily use IPA cleaning cotton swabs to clean the casing and screen of their mobile phones, keeping the device clean.

Compatible with various materials
IPA has good compatibility with a variety of materials, including common materials such as plastics, glass, and metals. When cleaning devices composed of different materials, it will not corrode or damage these materials. For example, when cleaning plastic – cased electronic devices, glass – lens optical instruments, and metal – part medical equipment, IPA cleaning cotton swabs can be used safely.
Cross – field application
It is widely used in multiple fields such as electronics, medicine, and precision instruments. In the electronics field, it is used for the cleaning of computers, mobile phones, etc.; in the medical field, it is used for the cleaning of small – sized medical equipment and laboratory equipment; in the precision instrument field, it is used for the cleaning of optical instruments and analytical instruments. This cross – field applicability makes it a multi – functional cleaning tool.

High safety risk
IPA is a flammable liquid, and its vapor can form an explosive mixture with air. When using cleaning cotton swabs, if there is an open flame or electrostatic discharge in the surrounding environment, it may cause a fire or explosion. For example, using IPA cleaning cotton swabs in an environment with flammable gas leakage, or near the electric spark generated by working electrical equipment during use, poses a great safety hazard.
Stringent storage requirements
Due to its flammability, IPA cleaning cotton swabs need to be stored in a cool, well – ventilated place, away from fire sources and heat sources. At the same time, direct sunlight should be avoided, and they should be stored separately from incompatible substances such as oxidants. This increases the difficulty and cost of storage. Especially for some places with a large usage volume, such as factories or large – scale laboratories, special storage facilities are required to ensure safety.

Sensitivity to some rubber and coated materials
Although IPA has good compatibility with most common materials, some special rubber and coated materials may be affected by IPA. For example, some rubber seals may experience swelling, hardening, or loss of elasticity after long – term contact with IPA. For some device surfaces with special coatings, IPA may dissolve or damage the coating, affecting the appearance or performance of the device.
Possible residue marks (in special cases)
In rare cases, although IPA has good volatility, if it is not completely dried after cleaning or too much is used, some marks may be left on the cleaned surface. For example, when cleaning some high – gloss plastic surfaces, if IPA does not completely evaporate, it may leave a fog – like mark, affecting the surface finish.