5 Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol for a Cleaner Home

5 Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol for a Cleaner Home main image 5 Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol for a Cleaner Home image

As a trusted local cleaning supply company, we’re always looking for simple, affordable, and effective ways to help you keep your home spotless. One versatile cleaning tool you might not have considered? Rubbing alcohol. This powerful and budget-friendly solution can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks — but it’s important to use it safely and correctly.

Here’s how rubbing alcohol can help make your cleaning routine easier and more effective.

What Makes Rubbing Alcohol So Effective?

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol or surgical spirit, is a strong cleaning agent widely used for its ability to dissolve grease, grime, and sticky residues. It’s also an excellent disinfectant. Here are some of its key benefits:

  • Powerful solvent: Breaks down tough stains, adhesives, and ink.
  • Antimicrobial properties: Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on hard surfaces.
  • Quick evaporation: Dries quickly without leaving streaks, making it ideal for glass and electronics.
  • Degreaser: Cuts through grease effectively, especially in kitchens.

With these benefits in mind, here are five practical ways to use rubbing alcohol in your home.

1. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Rubbing alcohol is perfect for disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

How to use it:
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle to create your own disinfectant. For an added touch, include a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Spray and wipe surfaces to kill germs and bacteria.

2. Clean and Refresh Electronics

Electronics, like keyboards and screens, often collect dust and grime. Rubbing alcohol is a safe and effective way to keep them clean.

How to use it:
Dampen a microfiber cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol (available at most stores) and gently wipe down electronics. Avoid soaking the cloth, and never spray directly onto devices. This method removes dust and kills germs without leaving residue.

3. Get Streak-Free Glass and Mirrors

Want gleaming mirrors and windows? Rubbing alcohol works wonders by cutting through dirt and evaporating quickly for a streak-free finish.

How to use it:
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe down glass surfaces. For mirrors, you’ll notice a streak-free shine almost instantly.

4. Remove Sticky Residue

Labels, tape, and other adhesives can leave behind sticky residue that’s tough to clean. Rubbing alcohol breaks down the glue, making removal easy.

How to use it:
Apply rubbing alcohol directly to the sticky area using a cotton ball or cloth. Let it sit for a few seconds, then wipe clean. This works great for jars, furniture, and even appliances.

5. Polish Stainless Steel

Fingerprints and smudges can dull the appearance of stainless steel appliances and hardware. Rubbing alcohol helps restore their shine.

How to use it:
Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe stainless steel surfaces to remove grease and grime. It not only polishes but also disinfects, making it ideal for bathroom fixtures and kitchen handles.

When to Avoid Rubbing Alcohol

While rubbing alcohol is highly versatile, there are some situations where it’s best avoided:

  • Food preparation areas: Rubbing alcohol is not food-safe and shouldn’t be used on cutting boards, utensils, or other surfaces that come into direct contact with food.
  • Around heat sources: It’s highly flammable, so avoid using it near stovetops or ovens.
  • On varnished or lacquered surfaces: It can damage finishes, so stick to cleaners designed for delicate materials.
  • Never mix with bleach: Combining rubbing alcohol with bleach creates chlorine gas, which is dangerous to your health.

A Great Addition to Your Cleaning Arsenal

Rubbing alcohol can be a powerful ally in your cleaning routine — as long as you use it responsibly. For trickier cleaning jobs or professional assistance, our team is here to help. We specialize in delivering spotless results for homes and businesses alike.

Contact us today to learn more about our cleaning supplies or come and see us in-store!