Totally agree prep matters, but honestly, I've always wondered if rubbing alcohol is really necessary. Last summer, I redid the seals on our kitchen windows—just scraped off the old caulk, wiped it down with some dish soap and water, and applied new sealant. It's held up surprisingly well through storms and humidity. Maybe I got lucky? Or is rubbing alcohol more about long-term durability? Curious if anyone else has skipped that step without issues...
I've skipped the rubbing alcohol step plenty of times myself and haven't noticed any major issues. Honestly, I think it's more about making sure the surface is clean and dry rather than using a specific cleaner. Dish soap and water usually do the trick just fine, especially if you're thorough. That said, rubbing alcohol can help remove any leftover grease or residue that soap might miss, so maybe it's more of an insurance thing for tricky spots or long-term peace of mind...
I've skipped alcohol plenty too, but honestly, after seeing how much grime it pulled off windows I thought were already clean, I'm sold. Soap and water are fine most times, sure... but if you're aiming for maximum efficiency (like me), alcohol makes a noticeable difference. Plus, cleaner surfaces mean better seals and less energy loss over time—small habit, big savings.