Rubbing Alcohol Hacks for the Home

We all probably have a bottle of rubbing alcohol in a bathroom cabinet waiting to be used. Well, it's time to dust it off and put it to work around the house. Traditionally used for cleaning and disinfecting wounds, isopropyl or rubbing alcohol can also be effective at tackling tough stains, smudges, and grime. Here are some ways Real Simple recommends using this product to clean around your home. 

Before we begin, it is important to know that since rubbing alcohol is combustible, never use it around open flames, and make sure you have good ventilation while cleaning with it. Never mix rubbing alcohol with chlorine bleach because the combination can emit harmful fumes. Make sure to test a small area first, just to be safe. Ok, back to safe cleaning!

Ink Stains

Rubbing alcohol acts as a solvent to dissolve all types of ink stains. It can be used on fabrics, plastic items, walls, or countertops. If you're trying to remove ink stains from fabric, place an old towel under the item to help absorb the ink and prevent it from staining your work surface or re-depositing on the garment.

Dampen an old cloth, paper towel, or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Start at the outside edges of the stain and work toward the center to keep the ink from spreading. Dab and blot with a clean cloth. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the ink is transferred. Work slowly until all of the ink is gone.

Water Spots on Fixtures

Rubbing alcohol breaks down the minerals in water that leave plumbing fixtures looking dull or spotty. Dampen a cloth with some rubbing alcohol, and the water spots will disappear.

Fingerprints on Stainless Steel

Dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints and smudges from stainless steel appliances. Wipe following the grain of the metal to prevent streaks. As a bonus, the rubbing alcohol kills bacteria, leaving a disinfected surface.

Greasy Surfaces

Cut through greasy buildup on countertops, appliances, and cabinets with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol acts as a solvent to cut through the grease and dries quickly. Mix equal parts hot water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, sink, or bucket. Use a sponge or cloth dipped in the solution to wipe away the grease. Rinse each surface with a cloth dampened with warm water. Finish by drying the surfaces with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

Glass Cleaner

Mix up a DIY glass and mirror cleaner with rubbing alcohol as the star. It will cut through dirt, insect specks, hairspray, toothpaste spatters, and grease. Mix one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of distilled water, and one tablespoon of vinegar in a spray bottle. Label the bottle clearly and shake it well before every use. Use the cleaner with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, you won't be left with any streaks or spots.

Dry-Erase Boards

If your dry-erase board has traces of messages even after you erase them, use rubbing alcohol to restore the surface. Pour some alcohol into a spray bottle and lightly spritz the surface of the board. Use a paper towel or old cloth to wipe the surface clean. Repeat, if needed, if the ink residue is heavy.

Sticky Labels

If you have a label or sticky residue on glass jars or plastic containers, grab a bottle of rubbing alcohol to break down the adhesives. Peel off as much of the sticker as you can. Then, saturate the remaining residue with the rubbing alcohol for 15 minutes. Use a hard plastic scraper or the edge of an old credit card to scrape away the residue.

Grass Stains

If you have grass stains on your clothes, rubbing alcohol can help remove them. Mix a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to the grass stains on the fabric and work it in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush). Let it work for 20 minutes, and wash the garment as usual. You can also rinse out the fabric and let it air dry if you can't wash the garment right away.

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