Can you buy isopropyl/rubbing alcohol in uk?

FatChocobo · 10 Jan 2014 at 19:08

Im gonna need to wipe the thermal paste off my cpu for new cooler. I live in uk but I dont know if u can buy iso alcohol or not. My mum said u cant get them in uk and my dad said u usaid u used to be able to.

Looking on forums, it seems that u still can get them from pharmacies like boots is that correct? If they wont sell me, what other places can I try? Or can I use different stuff like nail paint removal?

wazza300 · 10 Jan 2014 at 19:13

think you can

any normal alcohol based remover will work just as good,as will methylated spirits

Jokester · 10 Jan 2014 at 19:17

You're looking for Isopropyl alcohol spray. Servisol do 400ml tins of it.

alex_123_fra · 10 Jan 2014 at 19:18

Just buy white/surgical spirit. Same effectiveness.

DoneADougalOnSofa · 10 Jan 2014 at 19:18

Yes- go into a chemists and ask for it at the counter. About eight quid for a 500ml bottle (i.e. a lifetime's worth).
Boots may have it, but independent pharmacies are the best bet.

FatChocobo · 10 Jan 2014 at 19:36

Thanks I'll try in town tomoro. Hopefully I can get some if not I'll have to try online.

tom_e · 10 Jan 2014 at 20:00

Loads on eBay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-500ml...Equipment_Lab_Supplies_ET&hash=item3cd25a546a

Ryan-3 · 10 Jan 2014 at 20:10

I really wouldn't recommend Acetone (Nail Polish remover), it could end up reacting with some parts and damaging them.

But Isopropyl Alcohol is readily available.

=XDC=FluphyBunny · 10 Jan 2014 at 22:36

Use vodka never had a problem

Fulax · 10 Jan 2014 at 22:38

I got some at Maplin.

ALXAndy · 11 Jan 2014 at 15:49

Yes you can.

d_brennen · 11 Jan 2014 at 15:55

Just use dry kitchen towel

John24 · 11 Jan 2014 at 15:58

ALXAndy said:
Yes you can.

Thanks for that, everyone above wasn't sure

I'll add that you preferably want the high purity stuff, if you get it from the chemist it will probably be high purity but if searching online look for high purity or 99% Isopropyl Alcohol.

Craig321 · 11 Jan 2014 at 15:59

Just order it from third party Amazon, you can get 1l for 7.99

Tomsk · 11 Jan 2014 at 16:24

To clean the TIM off, you might want to consider some TIM cleaner
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK

I think it's better than Isopropyl alcohol plus it smells nicer.

swanseajack · 15 Jan 2014 at 02:15

I've been using the hand sanitiser foam from home bargains, it's 90% alcohol, squirt a little on kitchen towel, job done.

pbrain · 15 Jan 2014 at 08:08

I just use a baby wipe & kitchen towel...no need for solvents.

Nightglow · 15 Jan 2014 at 08:28

pbrain said:
I just use a baby wipe & kitchen towel...no need for solvents.

+1

Use same method for years.

ubersonic · 15 Jan 2014 at 08:36

I use IBM tape drive cleaner, however they stopped manufacturing it in the '90's after it was banned due to tighter regulations, not sure what I will have to use when this eventually runs out but IA sounds like a good shot.

Drake5 · 15 Jan 2014 at 15:07

Is kitchen towel perfectly safe to use to rub off paste? Because I had to reapply some paste as I had a new cooler and I noticed it left a bit of a stain on the back of the cpu after I used the kitchen towel. I assume it's just where the old paste has been?