Six Uses of Rubbing Alcohol Around the Home

6 Ways To Use Rubbing Alcohol At Home

Disinfecting Surfaces

You might not know it, but rubbing alcohol is a powerful disinfectant. It’s capable of killing many pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. That’s why hospitals use it to sanitize their equipment. Now, you can harness that power in your own home.

Yes, you read it right – your ordinary bottle of rubbing alcohol can be transformed into a handy cleaner. The great thing about cleaning with rubbing alcohol is it evaporates quickly, which means no residue left behind to worry about. What’s more? It’s fairly inexpensive and doesn’t require extra effort than the usual cleaning routine.

Rubbing alcohol can indeed do wonders if used properly. Let me illustrate by providing this simple scenario.

Imagine accidentally dropping raw chicken on your kitchen counter. After cleaning up the mess, you’d want to kill the potential salmonella bacteria awaiting to wreak havoc. A spray bottle filled with a solution of one part water and two parts 70% rubbing alcohol will be your knight in shining armor here.

• Spray the solution onto the contaminated area.
• Let it sit for a few seconds.
• Wipe it clean using a sponge or cloth.
• Presto! You’ve just disinfected your countertop sans hassle or expensive cleaners!
• Note: Always test on an inconspicuous spot first as alcohol can discolor some surfaces.
• Rubbing alcohol can also be used to sanitize cell phones, door knobs, handles etc.

Removing Sticky Substances

Ever had those moments where you just can’t get rid of stubborn adhesive residues? Be it from labels, stickers or tape, they sure can be a nuisance. Well, turns out rubbing alcohol can save your day once again!

The reason rubbing alcohol works fabulously against sticky substances is due to its chemical structure. The alcohol breaks down the adhesive properties, making removal a breeze. Now isn’t that something worth trying?

Let’s put this into perspective with a real-life situation.

Suppose you bought a new glass jar and it comes with a ridiculously resilient price sticker. This is where your handy bottle of rubbing alcohol enters.

• Dampen a cloth or sponge with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
• Apply it directly to the stubborn residue.
• Watch as the label or glue begins to dissolve in just a few minutes!
• Gently scrape off the remnants with an old credit card or similar tool.
• Give it a final wipe-down for complete cleanliness.
• Rubbing alcohol can even remove stains from permanent markers!

Deodorizer and Freshener

Did you know? Rubbing alcohol can also serve as a deodorizer. Its strong evaporation capability allows it to eliminate odors rather than merely masking them. It’s perfect for home use, especially in areas prone to unpleasant smells.

Another fantastic feature of rubbing alcohol is that it can double as a room freshener! Adding a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle of diluted rubbing alcohol creates a wonderful fragrant mix that can keep your space smelling fresh.

So how exactly does it work? Let’s consider this instance.

Say there’s a funky smell coming from your shoes. You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to get rid of it. Voila! Your solution could be right in your first aid box!

• Poor a moderate amount of rubbing alcohol into your smelly shoes.
• Swirl it around to ensure it reaches all interior parts of the shoe.
• Leave it to air-dry, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
• You will notice a significant improvement in the smell (or lack thereof).
• Create an atmosphere freshener using rubbing alcohol, water, and essential oil.
• Remember not to use on delicate materials that might be damaged by alcohol.

Cleaning Mirrors and Windows

Rubbing alcohol is excellent for giving your windows and mirrors that extra shine they need. Why? It’s because unlike many commercial cleaners, it leaves no streaks or residue behind, leaving crystal clear surfaces.

Next time you’re about to start cleaning your mirrors or windows, reach out for that bottle of rubbing alcohol. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Let’s see how you can use it in this practical situation.

Let’s assume your full-length mirror has accumulated dust and fingerprints over the time. A solution of one part water to one part rubbing alcohol could restore its former pristine condition!

• Mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution on your mirror or window.
• Use a lint-free cloth to wipe from top to bottom for a seamless finish.
• Admire your clean, streak-free reflection!
• The same method works great for automotive glass.
• Keep in mind alcohol is flammable, do not use near open flame or heat source.

Fighting Fruit Flies

Are tiny fruit flies bugging your kitchen? An affordable solution could be rubbing alcohol! That’s right; this versatile liquid can deter these unwelcome guests effectively.

Rubbing alcohol produces strong fumes which the flies find intolerable forcing them to retreat elsewhere. Isn’t that just the solution you were looking for?

Here’s an illustration.

Imagine, after coming back from vacation, you found the fruit you left on the kitchen table has attracted a squadron of fruit flies. A quick spray of rubbing alcohol can come to your rescue!

• Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol.
• Spray it directly onto the swarm of fruit flies.
• You will witness a dramatic decline in their population!
• Ensure the area is well-ventilated when spraying alcohol.
• Note that this method is a deterrent and not a long-term solution.
• Always clean up fruits and vegetables as prevention is better than cure.

De-Icing Windshield

Last but certainly not least, rubbing alcohol can help de-ice your windshield during winter. Its lower freezing point compared to water enables it to quickly melt the ice, sparing you precious time in the frosty morning.

Next time you find your windshield frozen over, we recommend trying out this trick. But remember, always use this sparingly to avoid damaging any rubber or plastic components of your car.

Think about those frosty winter mornings when your car windshield is all iced up. You could create your own de-icing solution using just two common household ingredients – water and rubbing alcohol.

• Mix a solution using two-thirds rubbing alcohol and one-third water.
• Pour into a spray bottle and keep it handy in your car.
• When the need arises, simply spray the solution onto your frosted-over windshield.
• The ice will melt away swiftly, allowing you an easy ‘breakaway.’
• This works quickly, so no need to wait for the car heater to come on.
• Caution, excessive use might damage your car’s paint, so exercise discretion.

What was once just a humble bottle in your first-aid kit can turn into a home hero! From de-icing windshields to finishing off fruit flies, rubbing alcohol’s applications around the house are truly remarkable. Go ahead and make the most out of your bottle of rubbing alcohol today!

Ethan Blake Visual Storyteller, Photo Curator

Ethan believes every viral image has a story to tell. From jaw-dropping paparazzi shots to hilarious memes, he’s here to curate the pictures that make headlines and capture the world’s attention.