Dude, you can submerge the thing in water and it will still be good. It just has to be 100% dry before using again. You cant get 100% alcohol at least i don't think, but yeah rubbing alcohol is good. that's what i used. and no, arctic silver 5 is no longer the best, studies show that zelman i think it is, does a little better...studies also show that it cost more too....