Who doesn’t have a bottle of rubbing alcohol in their medicine cabinet? And while you know that it’s an antiseptic, did you know that rubbing alcohol can be used in a variety of ways around your home?
Here are a few ways you can use this versatile product to help around your house.
Use it to remove permanent marker
If you’ve ever had a permanent marker mishap, you know how difficult it can be to remove the stain. But before you reach for the bleach, try rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is often effective at removing permanent marker stains from hard surfaces like countertops and tables. For best results, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and rub the stain in a circular motion until it disappears. You may need to repeat the process a few times for tougher stains. And remember to test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the surface first to make sure it won’t damage or discolor the material.
Use it to create a homemade ice pack
You’ve probably been told to put ice on an injury to reduce swelling, but did you know that you can make your own ice pack with just a few simple ingredients? All you need is some rubbing alcohol and water. Just mix them together in a ziplock bag, and then put the bag in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, you can apply it to the injured area for up to 20 minutes at a time. The cold temperature of the ice will help to reduce swelling and pain. Plus, the rubbing alcohol will help to prevent the ice from sticking to your skin. So next time you’re injured, reach for the rubbing alcohol and make your own ice pack.
Use it to clean mirrors
If you’ve ever tried to clean a mirror with just water, you know how difficult it can be to get a streak-free finish. Water alone will leave behind streaks and smears, making it hard to see your reflection clearly. One of the best ways to clean a mirror is with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol breaks up dirt and grime quickly and easily, leaving behind a sparkling clean surface. Plus, it dries quickly, so you won’t have to worry about streaks or smears. Just be sure to use a lint-free cloth when cleaning, so you don’t leave behind any lint or fuzz. With rubbing alcohol, cleaning your mirrors will be a breeze!
Use it as a deodorizer
As anyone who has accidentally spilled rubbing alcohol on their skin knows, the strong scent of alcohol can quickly overpower other smells. For this reason, rubbing alcohol is often used as a deodorizer. The antiseptic properties of rubbing alcohol can help to kill the bacteria that cause odors. To use rubbing alcohol as a deodorizer, simply add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and mist the area that you wish to deodorize. Because rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, it is best to avoid using it on fabrics. However, it can be used safely on hard surfaces such as counters and floors. With its ability to freshen up any space, rubbing alcohol is a versatile and effective tool for combating bad smells.
Use it to clean stainless steel appliances
Stainless steel appliances can be a real challenge to keep clean. Fingerprints, smudges, and water spots seem to appear out of nowhere! One way to get your stainless steel surfaces really clean is to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will quickly remove any dirt, grime, or fingerprints, and it will also help to prevent water spots. Just be sure to dilute the rubbing alcohol with water before using it, and always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the surface. With a little effort, you can keep your stainless steel appliances looking their best.
Yes, rubbing alcohol is a great antiseptic for cuts and scrapes, but it also has other fantastic uses around your home! Do you use rubbing alcohol for any of these things? Are you going to give them a try?
