What’s so good about methamphetamines (methylated spirits)?

Meth, Metho, methylated spirits, or denatured alcohol, they’re all the same things and you may have a bottle stashed away in your shed at home (which is a good place because it’s flammable). Methylated spirits are 90% ethanol and 10% methanol.

But what is special about it? Ethanol, produced by the fermentation of sugar, is completely biodegradable and when burned produces only carbon dioxide and water, and is drinkable. Methanol, on the other hand, is a toxic alcohol derived from wood products and is added to ethanol to make Metho. That, of course, makes it undrinkable, forcing drinkers to buy their alcohol through the normal route, and thus pay your taxes. mmm.

Throughout the years of Prohibition in the United States, tens of thousands suffered blindness, paralysis, or death from methanol added to methamphetamine. Reason enough not to drink it? Apparently not; it has been proven that it is necessary to add other substances to make it really unpleasant, such as the spirit of ipecac that causes vomiting (pleasant).

All very interesting, but nothing explains exactly why I spend me money on it. Ok, so what do you clean your toilet surfaces with? Do you have a colour? How about a perfume? Surely it contains an antibacterial agent? How much do you spend on bathroom cleaners each year? Did you know that perfume and color added to cleaning products can leave a residue that, once the antibacterial effect wears off, actually provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria? In contrast, denatured alcohol kills bacteria and evaporates very quickly leaving no residue. Do you see where I got to?

I dilute methylated spirits with 30% water to make a spray that thoroughly cleans and sanitizes toilet bowls, doorknobs, light switches, etc., especially when disease is present. It’s also great for cleaning glass, removing ink stains (apparently, I haven’t tried it), making your mouth feel like it’s about to explode (mouthwash), cleaning computer screens and keyboards (yes, honestly), disinfecting the skin before an injection or operation (!), cleaning of wooden floors (yes), preservation of biological specimens, treatment of cold sores and assistance in the production of biodiesel fuel.

But I only like it because it cleans my toilet thoroughly, saves me money (once diluted 30% it’s about half the price of commercial cleaners), and keeps my windows looking good (but keep it away from heat and flames). . Now, it’s time for a good glass of wine…