The bottle cap has a little brush attached, so it sits in the fluid. I just rub the excess off on the rim, then apply to the bottom 1/3 of each pin. This way as the pin slides into the socket it gets spread over the rest of the pin. You want to leave it on the pins to act as a lubricant, contact enhancer, and oxidation prohibitor. For really oxidized pins I use the red colored D-series, which I apply with qtip. This solution I wipe clean after 24 hrs, then apply the Gold. I don't think alcohol will give you any lubrication (making it easier to remove), or oxidation prohibition. The Gold G series is designed not to gumup or cause a contact failure over time. I've been using it for years to good effect, on all kinds of tubes. Btw for those interested and adventurous, I have tried the QuickSilver metallic in the past, not on the Lyr, the effect is starling. With a dramatic jump in dynamics, unfortunately it doesn't last. The effect fades over a few months, and with the risks involved wasn't worth it. I use the DeoxIT Gold on all connections as well, rca, speaker, fuses, etc...