Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, can be a handy solution for various common problems. It is commonly used as a cleaning agent, disinfectant, and solvent.
But there are so many other ways to use it that most people don’t know. Let’s begin!
Cleans microfiber furniture
When it comes to cleaning fine microfiber furniture, especially when dealing with food or drink spills, using rubbing alcohol can be a smart solution.
Unlike water, which can potentially cause staining, rubbing alcohol can effectively remove the stains without leaving any marks behind.
Simply dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over the stained area.
The alcohol evaporates quickly, ensuring that the surface doesn’t stay wet for long.
This method helps prevent spoilage and allows you to effectively clean your furniture without worrying about further damage.
Kill cockroaches
Cockroaches are known for their resilience, and while they have been associated with surviving extreme conditions, such as high radiation levels, they are not immune to alcohol.
Unlike radiation, alcohol can be an effective method to combat these hardy insects.
When sprayed with an alcohol solution, the spiracles through which cockroaches breathe can become clogged, leading to a rapid suffocation of the pests.
This makes alcohol a practical option for controlling and eliminating cockroach infestations
Sanitise your toddler’s toys
Keeping your child’s toys clean and germ-free is crucial, considering their tendency to put everything in their mouths.
Toys can harbor bacteria, making regular cleaning essential. Diluted rubbing alcohol provides a simple and effective solution.
By wiping or spraying toys with diluted rubbing alcohol, you can ensure they remain hygienic and safe for your child.
The alcohol quickly evaporates, eliminating any risk of accidental ingestion by your toddler.
This method offers peace of mind while effectively maintaining the cleanliness of your child’s toys.
Removes Nail Polish
If you’re concerned about the potential damage to your nail beds caused by chemical-laden nail polish removers, there’s a simple alternative.
Using cotton balls soaked in alcohol can effectively remove nail polish while keeping your nails healthy.
Rubbing alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol, can dissolve the polish without causing significant harm to your nails.
It’s a gentler option that avoids exposing your nails to potentially harsh chemicals.
So, next time you need to remove nail polish, consider using alcohol and cotton balls for a safer and nail-friendly approach.
Cleans Your Skin
Rubbing alcohol has beneficial properties for the skin, including soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
While it can help disinfect and dry out acne temporarily, it is important to use it cautiously to avoid excessive dryness and irritation.
It is not recommended as a regular skincare solution.
Benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment ingredient, targets acne-causing bacteria.
It is advisable to consult a skincare professional for personalized advice on the best skincare approach for your specific needs.
Removes Stickers
When dealing with stubborn sticky residue left behind by stickers or price tags, a simple and effective solution is to soak the area with alcohol for a few minutes.
Rubbing alcohol, in particular, can be effective in breaking down the adhesive and making it easier to remove the residue.
After soaking, you should be able to wipe away the sticky gunk easily, leaving the surface clean and residue-free.
This method is handy for various surfaces like glass, plastic, or metal where sticky residue tends to linger.
Cleans Carpet
Rubbing alcohol can be an effective solution for removing grease stains from carpets.
To tackle the stain, apply some rubbing alcohol onto a clean rag or cloth.
Gently scrub the stained area with the cloth, making sure not to rub too vigorously to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.
The rubbing alcohol helps to break down and lift the grease stain from the carpet fibers.
Once the stain is treated, blot the area with a clean cloth or sponge to absorb any remaining moisture.
This method can be particularly useful for fresh grease stains on carpets, but it’s always recommended to test the rubbing alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
Stretches Shoes
One way to stretch out shoes is by using rubbing alcohol.
Start by spraying a thin coat of rubbing alcohol on both the exterior and interior of the shoes, including the soles.
Then, put on a pair of thick socks and wear the shoes. The rubbing alcohol will help to slightly soften the material of the shoes, making them more flexible and easier to stretch.
As you wear the shoes with the thick socks, the material will gradually expand, providing a more comfortable fit.
It’s important to note that this method is most effective for natural materials like leather or suede, and caution should be exercised to avoid excessive stretching or damaging the shoes.
Cleans Keyboards
Rubbing alcohol is a practical solution for cleaning the surfaces of desktop and laptop keyboards.
To clean your keyboard, you can apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or a Q-tip and gently run it across the surface of the keys.
This helps to remove dirt, grime, and oils that accumulate over time.
The alcohol acts as a disinfectant, effectively killing germs and bacteria on the keyboard.
It’s important to ensure that you don’t apply excessive liquid that can seep into the keyboard’s mechanisms, so use a minimal amount of rubbing alcohol.
Disinfects Eyeglasses
When dealing with stubborn smudges on your glasses that seem impossible to remove, rubbing alcohol can be the secret ingredient to tackle the issue.
Those smudges are often caused by oils left behind by fingers and cleaning cloths.
Rubbing alcohol can effectively cut through these oils, providing your glasses with a resplendent sheen.
Simply apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth or microfiber cloth and gently wipe the smudged areas of your glasses.
This helps to dissolve and remove the oils, leaving your glasses clean and clear.
Freshens the Air
Create your own all-natural room spray to freshen the air in your home using rubbing alcohol as a base.
Begin by combining rubbing alcohol with your preferred fragrance or essential oils.
You can choose from a variety of scents like lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus, depending on your personal preference.
Mix the rubbing alcohol and fragrance thoroughly in a spray bottle.
To use, simply spritz the homemade room spray in any area of your home that needs a refreshing boost.
The rubbing alcohol helps to disperse the fragrance while also providing some antimicrobial properties.
Cleans (Some) Jewelry
To restore the luster of your jewelry, you can incorporate rubbing alcohol into your cleaning routine.
Start by placing the jewelry in a small container or dish filled with rubbing alcohol.
Allow the jewelry to soak in the alcohol for a few minutes to dissolve any dirt, oils, or residues that may have accumulated on the surface.
After the brief soak, remove the jewelry from the alcohol and gently clean it using a clean, soft cloth.
This will help to remove any remaining debris and restore the shine of your jewelry.
Kills Bed Bugs
Rubbing alcohol can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to manage dust mites or bed bugs.
Lightly mist the affected areas, allow it to air dry, and vacuum the treated surfaces.
However, it may not completely eliminate severe infestations, and professional assistance may be required.
Regular cleaning, washing bedding in hot water, and using protective covers can help prevent and minimize pest problems.
Fixes Broken Makeup
Rubbing alcohol can be used to fix broken makeup products.
Gather the broken pieces, compact them, and add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to create a paste.
Smooth and flatten the mixture, allow it to dry, and sanitize before use.
While it can help salvage the makeup, be aware that the texture and performance may be slightly affected.
Cleans Dry Erase Boards
Rubbing alcohol serves as a cost-effective alternative to pricier dry erase board cleaners, delivering comparable results.
To clean your dry erase board, simply spray rubbing alcohol onto the surface and wipe it clean using a paper towel or cloth.
The alcohol effectively removes dry erase marker residue and leaves the board refreshed.
This method offers a budget-friendly solution without compromising the cleanliness and usability of your dry erase board.
Removes Stinky Smells
Rubbing alcohol can be used to eliminate odors from shoes or other smelly items.
Spray the affected area, let it dry in a well-ventilated and sunny spot, and the rubbing alcohol will evaporate, taking away the odor-causing bacteria.
However, for persistent odors, additional measures may be needed.
Sanitizes Your Hands
To create your own hand sanitizer, you can mix three parts rubbing alcohol with one part aloe vera gel.
This combination helps to effectively disinfect and moisturize your hands.
If desired, you can also add a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent.
However, it’s important to note that homemade hand sanitizers may not have the exact same efficacy as commercially produced ones.
Additionally, ensure that the final mixture contains at least 60% alcohol to be effective in killing germs.
Helps With Skin Irritation
Applying rubbing alcohol directly to irritated skin after shaving armpits or bikini lines is generally not recommended as it can be harsh and drying.
Instead, rinse with cool water, use a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel, and avoid tight clothing to soothe and reduce irritation.
If the irritation persists, seek advice from a dermatologist.
Helps Heal Cold Sores
Rubbing alcohol can be used as a drying agent on cold sores to promote faster healing.
Soaking a cotton ball in alcohol and gently applying it to the cold sore can help dry it out.
The alcohol may have a drying effect on the sore and may also provide some disinfection properties.
However, it’s important to note that alcohol can cause stinging or discomfort, and may not be suitable for everyone.
It’s advisable to use caution and test a small area first to ensure it does not cause excessive irritation or worsen the condition.
Treats Head Lice
It is not recommended to pour rubbing alcohol on your hair or use it as a treatment for hair care.
Rubbing alcohol is primarily used as a disinfectant and has a drying effect, which can lead to significant damage and dryness to your hair and scalp.
It can strip away the natural oils, cause excessive dryness, and potentially irritate the scalp.
Instead, it is advisable to use hair care products specifically designed for your hair type and concerns.
Cleans Your Mirrors
Rubbing alcohol can be a useful solution for removing hairspray residue from mirrors.
To clean the mirror, you can apply rubbing alcohol to a clean rag or spray it directly onto the mirror’s surface. Then, use the rag to wipe away the hair spray residue, ensuring to cover the entire affected area.
The rubbing alcohol helps to dissolve and remove the sticky residue, leaving the mirror clean and clear. Make sure to use a clean, lint-free cloth or rag to avoid leaving streaks or lint behind.
This method is effective for getting rid of hairspray buildup and maintaining the cleanliness of your mirrors.
Cleans Your Blinds
To clean Venetian or vertical blinds, create a makeshift tool by wrapping a cloth around a spatula or flat tool and securing it with a rubber band.
Dampen the cloth with rubbing alcohol and run the tool along each slat to remove dust and dirt.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the blinds.
Removes Ear Wax
Grab a cotton swab and dip it in a mix of equal parts of rubbing alcohol and vinegar, then clean out and dissolve the wax.
It is important to note that cleaning ears and managing earwax should be done with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Keeps Your Car Windows Frost-Free
Rubbing alcohol can help defrost a frozen car window when used cautiously.
Mix rubbing alcohol with water, spray it onto the window, and let it soften the ice before gently removing it.
Exercise caution to avoid damage to the window or paint surfaces, and refer to expert advice for safe defrosting methods in extreme cold conditions.
Sanitizes Makeup Brushes
To clean makeup brushes, soak them in alcohol for 30 minutes to disinfect and remove residue.
Rinse them under lukewarm water, reshape the bristles, and let them air dry completely.
It’s advisable to clean brushes at least once a month to maintain hygiene and optimal performance.
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