99% Isopropyl Alcohol has a wide variety of medical uses (such as for preparation of the skin prior to an injection) and household uses, and it is a common ingredient in chemicals such as antiseptics, disinfectants, and detergents; thus, it is widely used as a solvent and cleaning fluid, especially for dissolving oils. 99% Isopropyl alcohol is also used as a water-drying aid for the prevention of otitis externa (better known as swimmer's ear).