The task of keeping your house spotless can often come off as endless, especially while dealing with stains that refuse to come off.
Guess what. The unassuming bottle of rubbing alcohol stored beneath your sink is not just for wound disinfection.
This underestimated solution can tackle an assortment of cleaning tasks that you would never suspect. It could just be the answer to your cleaning prayers.
Let us explore the surprising ways rubbing alcohol could change your housekeeping game.
1. Carpet Stains
While spilling wine or coffee on your carpet could seem like a catastrophe, rubbing alcohol will save the situation.
It is your secret weapon for even the toughest stains like ink or permanent marker. Apply some on the spot, tap gently with a clean cloth, and watch as the stain starts to fade.
Having said that, it could be worth contacting a professional carpet cleaning company every once in a while to keep the overall condition of your carpets splendid.
2. Microfibre Furniture
Although microfibre furniture looks fantastic, it will quickly absorb stains and filth. Rubbing alcohol helps refresh it rather nicely.
It evaporates fast, so it won’t leave water stains. Just spritz some onto a rag and lightly work it. The amount of grit it removes will astound you.
3. Greasy Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen, especially near the stove, often ranks as one of the filthiest rooms in a home. You’ve likey baked a lot of delicious cakes there, but it’s all the same. Rubbing alcohol proves effective in tackling stubborn grease spots on your oven, microwave, and fridge.
Just apply some and give the surfaces a quick wipe. See the grime disappear, making clean-up faster and easier for those sticky patches.
4. Mobile Phones and Electronics
Among the dirtiest objects we come in touch with every day are our phones. Antiseptic alcohol safely cleans and disinfects your phone, remote controls, keyboards, and other electronics.
To keep your screens and buttons undamaged, just give them a gentle swipe. It does the trick, keeping germs at bay.
5. Window Blinds
While dusting window blinds can be labour-intensive, rubbing alcohol makes it easy. Soak an old sock or cloth with alcohol, and then just run over the blinds. Along with clearing the dust, it will leave them streak-free.
6. Stainless Steel Appliances
The smudges and fingerprints that stainless steel is prone to can be annoying remove. For cleaning these surfaces and achieving streak-free gloss, rubbing alcohol is ideal.
Just dab some on a soft cloth to polish your refrigerator, dishwasher, or any stainless steel object.
7. Bathroom Fixtures
Tough to remove are soap scum on bathroom faucets and hard water stains. These mineral deposits can be broken down by rubbing alcohol, leaving your fittings shining.
Your taps and showerheads will shine again with a quick wipe down using a cloth and a bit of alcohol.
8. Nail Polish Spills
You know it’s a disaster to clean if you have ever knocked over a bottle of nail paint.
On hard surfaces, such as counters or tile flooring, rubbing alcohol is excellent for cleanup of spills. It helps the dried polish come off without hurting the surface beneath.
9. Shower Glass
Shower doors often look dull because they gather soap scum. After misting some rubbing alcohol on the glass, let it sit for one minute, and then wipe it clean with a microfiber towel.
Your shower will seem to be absolutely clear, and you will avoid the haze that soap and water sometimes leave behind.
10. Dry Erase Boards
Dry erase boards tend to become murky after extended use, especially if marker residue is left on them for too long.
Those tough stains will be quickly removed with a little rubbing alcohol on a towel. This simple trick will make your board look fresh and ready for new ideas.
11. Jewellery
If you’re looking to restore the sparkle in your jewellery, rubbing alcohol can bring it back to life. Just dip them for a few moments and delicately scrub your pieces using a soft toothbrush.
It does wonders on earrings, rings, and other metal accessories, particularly when they look a bit tarnished.
12. Sunglasses and Glasses
Although smudged lenses can be dirty-looking, rubbing alcohol is a wonderful cleaner for ordinary eyeglasses and sunglasses.
For a crystal-clear image, dab a touch of alcohol on a lens-cleaning cloth and gently wash your lenses. Just steer clear of applying it on those with special coatings since it can damage them.
13. Permanent Marker on Hard Surfaces
Kids love to unleash their creativity, often turning walls or furniture into their canvas. Eliminating enduring marker smears off solid surfaces like wood, plastic, or tile isn’t as tricky as you think.
The secret ingredient to success is isopropyl alcohol, but don’t forget, a bit of good old-fashioned hard work is necessary to restore its original gleam.
14. Shoe Deodoriser
Although stinky shoes can be embarrassing, rubbing alcohol helps get rid of the odour. Put a bit inside your shoes and let them air out. The alcohol works wonders in getting rid of any odour-causing germs, restoring freshness to your footwear.
15. Stickers and Labels
Are you dealing with stubborn sticker residue on your new purchases? A touch of rubbing alcohol works wonders, effortlessly dissolving that pesky adhesive.
Simply apply it to a cloth and gently rub it to reveal a clean, polished surface.
16. Mirrors
You’re going to love the effect of using rubbing alcohol on your shiny mirrors. This method takes away grime without a trace.
All it takes is a simple spritz and a quick swipe with a microfiber cloth. Next time you’re shaving or applying makeup, you’ll certainly notice a clearer reflection.
17. Grout in Tiles
While cleaning the grout between tiles can be tiresome, rubbing alcohol simplifies the task.
Its cleaning qualities enable mildew and mould to be broken down. It also gives the grout a new look without employing strong chemicals.
18. Makeup Brushes
Oil, germs, and cosmetic residue gathered by makeup brushes can aggravate your skin and cause pimples. Wipe your brushes with rubbing alcohol or soak them.
Just let the bristles air dry before using them as alcohol can be harsh on the skin too.
19. Car Upholstery
Your car seats are prone to spills and stains. Using a small amount of rubbing alcohol is a handy trick to get rid of them. You won’t leave any watermarks behind, either.
Just dab a tiny bit, blot it, and then let it dry naturally. This can save you between professional cleaning sessions.
Conclusion
You are now armed with these tricks up your sleeve. Each spill or stain is now an opportunity to let the magic of rubbing alcohol shine.
From your home to your car, it’s amazing how this modest solution can bring out the sparkle in unexpected ways. Cleaning has never been more efficient, affordable, or oddly satisfying.
