Methanol is doing absolutely NOTHING of value in a record cleaning formulation. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Although it is one of the only three alcohols that can be used in a vinyl cleaning formulation, the other two being Ethanol and Isopropanol, with Ethanol being the very best. It is more destructive to most vinyl formulations, whether they contain styrene, or not. It does not assist in any way with regards to the cleaning ability. Also, it is an alcohol that would be more likely to deplete any beneficial additives that were added to the vinyl formulation when the record was made
Basically, Methanol should be avoided as much as possible.
The Clearaudio "Pure Groove" Domestic formulation avoids the incorporation of Methanol as much as possible. As a Corporation, I do not know the exact limitations in Germany, but, in the US and in Canada, Corporations can be more specific with regard to the ingredients that are added to make it undrinkable. But, as an individual purchasing denatured alcohol you do not have this luxury. Also, Clearaudio must state "Denatured Alcohol" in their "Essence" product, and it MUST actually be denatured alcohol, in order that it can be shipped. Although it may sound crazy, they could not just use pure Ethanol, because there would be the assumption that some fool may actually drink the product. Yes, it sounds crazy but that product COULD be drunk without the harm that denatured alcohol would possess. It would be like a 12.65% wine (a very expensive wine) that would taste like crap and give you the "runs" for a few days - but, as I stated, it can be consumed. So, an entire different set of rules would have to be imposed, not just shipping regulations. Normal and sane people do not think of such things, but, government officials fortunately must.
Yes, avoid Methanol as much as possible. And you are correct with regard to the dangers associated with handling Methanol. After this note to you, I will send an explanation to @mijostyn as well. Surly drinking Methanol is the most dangerous. I have the relatively recent 12th edition (all 5 volumes) of Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, and it states the following:
The lethal human dose of pure methanol was estimated at 15.8–474 g/person as a range and as 56.2 g/person as the median. The dose-response relationship between methanol vapor in ambient air and urinary methanol concentrations was thought to be correlated. An oral intake of 3.16–11.85 g/person of pure methanol could cause blindness. The lethal dose from respiratory intake was reported to be 4000–13,000 mg/l. The initial concentration of optic neuritis and blindness were shown to be 228.5 and 1103 mg/l, respectively, for a 12-h exposure.
The above is the abbreviated statement. The dermal contact explanation I will summarize, as that brief exposure to the skin is nothing to loose sleep overnight, however, if you have an open wound that really complicates matters. It is important to note (I believe that you also are a retired Physician) that the Bio-toxicity due to methanol exposure is caused by the metabolites rather than the methanol itself. The severity of the toxicity is related to the degree of metabolic acidosis rather than the exact concentration of the methanol itself. And, it should be obvious to prevent any entry to the eyes themselves, and, it is important to avoid the vapors attacking the sensitive protection of the eyes themselves.
I, along with Physicians that my wife had worked with tried to get stricter warnings on "Automotive Windshield Washer" products without any success. When something is categorized as a "Consumer Product" , it is almost hopeless to have proper warning labeling. Also, we tried to have such products modified with Ethanol and some Isopropyl alcohol to reduce the dangers. But, that went nowhere as well. I should state that some years ago it was I and these same Physicians that were successful in composing many of the regulations for our "Ministry of Labor" that are in place to this day. So, we were credible when it came to Industry, but, lost when it came to "Consumer Goods"
Sorry, but I will digress again about something else that is relevant to this subject. You can easily buy frozen concentrated orange juice at the food store, but, if that was an industrial item in a 55 (US) gal. drum, it would have to have so many warning labels on the drum that you would not be able to see the drum. Allow me some exaggeration for an effect please.
Now, back to you wanting to duplicate the Clearaudio formula, I again would state that you use no more than 22.000% Ethanol. I know your question was somewhat hypothetical, but, I did need to repeat this.
And thank you for possibly alerting others to the dangers of Methanol. You provided an important service by mentioning this danger.
Thank you,
Wizzzard