Surprising Ways To Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Around The House

Lauren David
·6 min read
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Have a bottle of rubbing alcohol in your first aid kit? This clear liquid, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is an antiseptic and often used for cleaning cuts and wounds. But you may be surprised that you can also use it as a handy household cleaner. "Rubbing alcohol is a good cleaner because it acts as both a solvent and a disinfectant due to its molecular structure," Elizabeth Shields, Operations Manager of Super Service Cleaning Louisville. "It can dissolve substances like oils and organic materials by interacting with them at a molecular level, breaking them down and removing them."



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For Cleaning Around The House

You probably never considered incorporating rubbing alcohol into your cleaning routine. Here are four ways to use it.

Chandelier

Noticing that your chandelier has accumulated a lot of dust and is in need of cleaning? Rubbing alcohol is ready for the job. Here's what Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company, suggests for getting the job done:

  1. Mix a homemade solution of rubbing alcohol and distilled water (in a 1:4 ratio) and put into a spray bottle.

  2. Using a microfiber cloth, carefully wipe down each piece of the chandelier. (She recommends wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints all over the chandelier.)

Microwave

Notice tomato sauce splatters in the microwave? It's time to give it a good clean. Maybe you rely on lemon juice or using vinegar, but rubbing alcohol is also another option. Here's what Shields suggests:

  1. Make a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a microwave-safe bowl, like 1/2 cup of each.

  2. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 1-2 minutes to create steam that softens grime.

  3. After waiting a bit, carefully remove the bowl, and with a cloth dipped in the mixture, gently wipe down the interior surfaces, including the turntable.

  4. Use a damp cloth to wipe the microwave clean and then dry it with a cloth. She also recommends leaving the microwave door open to air it out. 

Microfiber Couch

If you're sitting on a microfiber couch and are wondering what the best way to clean it is, that bottle of rubbing alcohol will do the trick. Here's Mock's step-by-step tips:

  1. Working section by section, spray an area with rubbing alcohol, and then scrub with a white or light-colored sponge (so no color transfers to the couch while you scrub). You’ll see the stains lift off onto the sponge. Because alcohol evaporates quickly, the couch should be dry in no time.

  2. Once it’s dry, use a dry scrub brush to brush the couch in a circular motion in order to fluff the fabric," she says.

  3. If you notice any water stains on the couch, apply the same process but with distilled water. "Spray, scrub, then brush after the fabric has dried," says Mock. Just make sure your couch can handle both water and a solvent cleaner, such as rubbing alcohol before cleaning your microfiber couch.

Glass

Tired of buying a commercial glass cleaner and want to make your own version? Here's Mock's suggestion for getting it done:

  1. In a spray bottle, mix one cup of water, one tablespoon of vinegar and one cup of rubbing alcohol. (This concoction will work on glass, chrome, stainless steel, and hard tiles.)

  2. Make sure to use a clean cloth to scrub the surface, or even an old newspaper she says.

For Getting Rid Of Odors

Is your kitchen smelling less than appetizing after cooking fish the previous night? This is how Shields suggests sanitizing and getting rid of unappealing smells:

  1. Combine a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol combined with a couple of drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil.

  2. Wipe your granite countertops, and this will leave your countertops fresh and fragrant.

For Disinfecting Gadgets

Computer Keyboards

You may use your computer keyboard almost daily but it's possible it hasn't occurred to you to clean it. "Computer keyboards contain tons of unwanted germs, dust, and food particles," says Mock. Grab a bottle of rubbing alcohol for easy cleaning and disinfecting. "You can dip Q-tips in rubbing alcohol to clean between the keys," she says.

Cell Phones

These days cell phones act as mini personal computers that we take everywhere, including the dinner table and the bathroom. Phones need to be cleaned often but if you're not, don't worry, reach for a bottle of rubbing alcohol to wipe away bacteria. "Rubbing alcohol is a good bet to kill germs," says Mock, when you need to clean your phone. Here's what she suggests:

  1. Fill a small spray bottle with equal parts distilled water and isopropyl alcohol.

  2. Dampen a microfiber cloth or lint-free rag with the solution.

She advises to never spray a liquid cleaner directly onto any electronic device and to avoid liquid and moisture getting into the speakers, microphone, or any port.

For Removing Tree Sap On A Windshield

Park your car under a tree and now your windshield is full of sap? Jeramy Sibley, President of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company, recommends applying rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth–but to avoid abrasive materials since it can damage coatings. "Place the alcohol cloth on the sap, wait for it to soften, then gently rub in circles to remove the sap," he says. "Adjust pressure, re-moisten as needed, and finish with auto glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth."

Tips For Using Rubbing Alcohol

  • Not made for cleaning everything: There are some surfaces and items when you shouldn't use rubbing alcohol since it could damage or cause discoloration. "Rubbing alcohol is not the ideal choice for delicate items such as pearls and certain plastics," says Shields. "They can react negatively, resulting in discoloration, damage, or even cracks."

  • Avoid certain combinations: Before mixing household cleaners, make sure to read the warning labels and take safety precautions because some mixtures can be harmful to your health. "Do not mix bleach with rubbing alcohol," says Mock. "This creates chloroform, which causes loss of consciousness and can have more severe consequences." Rubbing alcohol is, well, an alcohol, making it flammable. "Avoid surfaces that are close to open flames, sparks, or heat sources," says Sibley.

  • Always do a test-run: And experts advise to always do a spot check when using a cleaner on any surface to ensure it won't cause discoloration or wreck a material or surface. "While rubbing alcohol is safe for many surfaces, we recommend testing it on a small area to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor before widespread use," says Sibley.

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