The Creek Line House: The Easiest Trick for Cleaning Greasy Kitchen Messes: Isopropyl is volatile which means that it evaporates quickly, creating flammable fumes. Never use rubbing alcohol near open flames or while smoking. (Gas stove owners be careful!) It does break down greasy messes but not the burned on food. The picture is great but the link it leads to doesn't provide as much info as this link http://www.home-ec101.com/how-to-use-rubbing-alcohol-safely/