Buzz
Some items in life are astonishingly versatile. Bobby pins? Incredibly handy. Cooking spray? You’re likely not maximizing its potential. Cling wrap? How couldn’t you use it? Pool noodles? They can solve countless problems if used creatively.
Add to this list of surprisingly useful items the modest bottle of rubbing alcohol tucked under your sink. Isopropyl alcohol was first created in 1920, and over the past century, most of us have used it primarily as an antiseptic or solvent. While that alone makes it valuable, there’s a wide range of other uses you could—and really, should—be taking advantage of.
A few important warnings, though: don’t let the word “alcohol” fool you into thinking it’s harmless—it’s not. Used with care, it’s safe, but never consume rubbing alcohol—it’s lethal. Excessive skin exposure can also be harmful—small amounts for cleaning or disinfecting are fine, but too much can be toxic. It’s flammable, so keep it away from flames. And never mix it with bleach, as it produces poisonous gas.
Now that we’ve covered safety, here are numerous ways rubbing alcohol can improve your daily life.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Given that rubbing alcohol is widely known for its antiseptic properties, it’s no wonder it’s a go-to for household cleaning and disinfecting. However, when it comes to isopropyl alcohol, less is more: While 99% strength is available, a 70% concentration is more effective for most cleaning tasks. The additional water in lower concentrations surprisingly boosts its cleaning power.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean a variety of items:
Grooming tools. Disinfect razors, clippers, and other beauty tools by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol.
Most surfaces. It’s great for cleaning kitchen countertops (except natural stone), chrome fixtures, glass, and stainless steel. It kills germs without leaving streaks or residue. Avoid using it on natural stone, wood, or porous materials, as it can cause damage.
Keyboards, mice, and devices. Your keyboard, mouse, and phone are likely teeming with germs. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol can effectively clean them.
Jewelry. Jewelry collects dirt and oils from your skin. A spritz of isopropyl alcohol can restore its shine and hygiene.
Permanent marker. Permanent markers aren’t so permanent when rubbing alcohol is involved. It can remove accidental marks and refresh dry-erase boards.
Upholstery. For water-free cleaning, mix rubbing alcohol with a soft brush to tackle stains on furniture.
Sponges. Soak your dish sponge in rubbing alcohol overnight to eliminate bacteria and odors.
Weed accessories. Keep your bongs and pipes clean and sparkling with rubbing alcohol.
Get rid of pests on plants
If your indoor plants are battling mealybugs, whiteflies, or aphids, wiping them with rubbing alcohol can swiftly eliminate the infestation and rescue your plants.
Hand sanitizer
This became a household tip during the pandemic. Hand sanitizer is now a must-have in homes, bags, and gym kits for obvious reasons. You can save money and ensure a steady supply by making your own—mix two parts rubbing alcohol (70%) with one part aloe vera gel, shake well, and you’re ready to go.
Create your own cold packs at home
Keeping a cold pack in your freezer is a smart move for treating injuries or staying cool on sweltering days. Rather than purchasing one, you can easily craft your own by combining one part 70% rubbing alcohol with three parts water in a resealable freezer bag. After freezing it for a few hours, you’ll have a functional cold pack ready to use.
Remove ice from your windshield effortlessly
During winter, your car can turn into an icy block overnight, making it nearly impossible to drive. Skip the tedious scraping and mix one part water with two parts rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. The alcohol reduces the water’s freezing point, quickly melting the ice and evaporating without a trace.
Eliminate sticky residues with ease
Struggling with stubborn labels, stickers, or bandages clinging to surfaces or skin? Soak a paper towel in rubbing alcohol and place it over the adhesive or residue. Let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to break down the glue. Once softened, simply scrape away the remnants. Repeat the process if necessary until everything is completely removed.
Eliminate ink marks effectively
Did a pen leak and ruin your favorite shirt? Act quickly to remove the stain using isopropyl alcohol. The key is to address the stain before the ink dries. Soak a pad, sponge, or paper towel with rubbing alcohol and place it over the stain for several minutes. Once the pad absorbs the ink and darkens, replace it with a fresh one. Continue this process until the stain is completely gone.
Ease feelings of nausea
If nausea strikes and you prefer to avoid medication, try soaking a cloth with rubbing alcohol and inhaling the fumes. Research suggests this method can be as effective as prescription drugs for temporary nausea relief. Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area and remember that the effects are short-lived.
Quick fix for deodorant needs (and odor elimination)
Unpleasant smells are inevitable, often caused by bacteria. Since bacteria and rubbing alcohol don’t mix, it’s an excellent tool for neutralizing odors—starting with underarms, which are bacteria hotspots. Wiping your underarms with rubbing alcohol can temporarily eliminate body odor, but use this method sparingly as it may dry out your skin and cause discomfort, especially after shaving.
You can also freshen up shoes by spraying them with rubbing alcohol and allowing them to dry. Additionally, rubbing alcohol works wonders for deodorizing and cleaning microfiber upholstery that has developed an odor. For a pleasant fragrance, consider adding a few drops of essential oils to the alcohol in these applications.
Alternative nail polish remover
Out of nail polish remover? Isopropyl alcohol can serve as a handy substitute. Dab a cotton ball with the alcohol, let it rest on your nail for a few moments, and gently wipe away. With a little patience, your polish will be removed without requiring a trip to the store.
