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Rubbing alcohol (or also called isopropanol/Ispropyl) is a solvent that has polar molecules (molecules with a positive charged molecule that sticks to a negative charged molecule).

If you sniff a sharpie, it has a sharp, alcohol smell, right? Sharpies have n-propanol alcohol, n-butanol, and diacetone alcohol in them. They have pretty similar structures to rubbing alcohol. All alcohol have polar molecules.

There is a "like dissolve like" rule. This means Polar solvent+Polar solvent=dissolve/removal. OR non-polar solvent+nonpolar solvent=dissolve/removal. The closer the molecule make-ups are, the more likely they are to dissolve or be removed.

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Q: Why does rubbing alcohol remove stains?
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Solvent that is able to remove grass stains?

Rubbing alcohol.


What solvent is able to remove grass stains?

I think it is alcohol it is rubbing alcohol!


What makes bleach remove stains?

A bleach is a chemical that can remove or lighten color, usually via oxidation. Rubbing alcohol can often be used to remove stains depending on their size. It works best with smaller stains. To remove a stain using rubbing alcohol apply the alcohol to a cotton ball and then rub the stain and the area around it. The rubbing alcohol will help distribute the original color of the clothing so that it begins to cover the stained area. This method is best used on darker colored items. Light colored items or items with larger stains tend not to absorb the color as well.


Is rubbing alcohol used to clean wood?

Rubbing alcohol is good to remove certain stains from wood floors like nail polish. Rubbing alcohol can stain some wood finishes so a test should be done before using.


How can you remove mildew stains without bleach?

I read that rubbing alcohol will do the trick. Heres the link. http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-mildew-stains.htm


Why rubbing alcohol can remove gum?

Rubbing alcohol can remove gum because is a solvent for gum.


How do you get mildew stains out of hardwood floors?

with an acidic substance, such as rubbing alcohol


How can I remove permanent marker on a chalkboard?

One way to get permanent marker stains out of an item is by soaking a wash cloth with rubbing alcohol and using the wash cloth to scrub out the permanent marker stains.


How do you get rid of pen stains?

use cheap hairspray(aerosol) or rubbing alcohol...


How do you remove dye transfer from a white vinyl handbag?

You can use isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) on a wet paper towel to remove a stain, or for major stains, you can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.


How do you remove ink stains from rexine?

There are several ways that can remove ink stains from rexine. Applying isopropyl alcohol to a cotton ball or rag and rubbing it on the stain should remove it. Another way is to use hairspray, but test it out on a small area to make sure it doesn't discolor the rexine.


Can alcohol remove grease stains?

Yes , It can :)