Rubbing alcohol, also called isopropyl alcohol, probably has a spot in your medicine cabinet already. It’s commonly used to clean small cuts and disinfect certain items, but it can also be handy for everyday cleaning around the house.
From removing sticker residue to freshening up shoes, rubbing alcohol can handle quite a few small cleaning jobs. Since it dries quickly, it’s especially useful for items that shouldn’t stay wet for long.
Before using it, check the care instructions for the item you’re cleaning. Rubbing alcohol can damage some finishes, plastics, coatings, and fabrics, so testing a small hidden area first is a good idea.
Tile Grout
Rubbing alcohol can help with grime and mildew on some tile grout. Mix a small amount with water and a little dish soap, apply it to the grout, then scrub with a suitable brush and rinse.
Keep the area well ventilated while cleaning, and test the mixture on an inconspicuous spot first.
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Jewelry
Rubbing alcohol can be useful for cleaning some hard, non-porous jewelry. Place suitable pieces in a small amount of rubbing alcohol, gently brush away dirt with a soft brush, then rinse and dry.
Skip this method for pearls, opals, porous gemstones, plated pieces, or jewelry with delicate finishes. If you’re unsure about a particular piece, check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Sanitize Remote Controls
Remote controls get handled constantly, so they can collect plenty of fingerprints, dust, and grime.
Turn off and unplug the device if possible, remove the batteries, then wipe the remote with a soft cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. Avoid getting liquid into the buttons, seams, or openings.
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Children’s Toys
Some hard, non-porous toys can be wiped down with rubbing alcohol to remove germs and grime. After cleaning, allow the toy to dry completely before giving it back to a child.
Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Avoid using rubbing alcohol on toys made from materials that can be damaged by alcohol, and don’t use it on anything that a young child might put in their mouth unless the manufacturer says it’s safe.
Disinfect Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol can be useful for cleaning certain frequently touched hard surfaces, including some doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
Apply it to a cloth rather than flooding the surface, then wipe the area thoroughly. Check the surface material first, since alcohol can damage some painted, varnished, plastic, or finished surfaces.
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Remove Stains
Rubbing alcohol can help with certain stubborn stains, including ink and some makeup marks.
Dab a small amount onto the stain with a clean cloth rather than soaking the fabric. Work from the outside toward the center and switch to a clean section of the cloth as the stain lifts. Wash the item according to its care instructions afterward.
Always test an inconspicuous area first, since alcohol can affect dyes and some synthetic fabrics.
Clean Electronics
Fingerprints and oily marks can make phones, keyboards, and other electronics look grimy. A small amount of rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth can help clean some hard exterior surfaces.
Never pour or spray alcohol directly onto electronics. Keep liquid away from charging ports, speakers, seams, and other openings. Check the manufacturer’s instructions first, since some screens and protective coatings can be damaged by alcohol.
Deodorize Shoes
Shoes can develop unpleasant odors after repeated wear, especially when moisture has nowhere to go.
A light mist of rubbing alcohol inside some shoes can help reduce odor-causing bacteria. Don’t soak the shoes, and let them dry completely in a well-ventilated area before wearing them again. Test the material first, since alcohol can discolor or damage certain finishes.
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Remove Sticky Residue
Few things are more annoying than peeling off a sticker only to find a layer of glue underneath. Rubbing alcohol can help break down some adhesive residue from labels and tape.
Apply a small amount to a cloth and rub the sticky area gently until the residue loosens. Wipe the surface clean afterward and test a hidden spot first, particularly on painted or finished surfaces.
Clean Eyeglasses
This one needs a little caution. Rubbing alcohol can remove oils and fingerprints from some eyewear, but it isn’t suitable for every lens coating or frame material.
Check the care instructions from your eyewear manufacturer before using it. For most coated lenses, a lens-safe cleaner and microfiber cloth are the safer choice.
Revive Dry Erase Markers
A dry erase marker that still has ink inside but won’t write properly may have a dried-out tip.
For some markers, briefly dipping the tip in a small amount of rubbing alcohol can soften dried ink. Let the tip dry before testing the marker again. This trick won’t work for every marker, and too much alcohol can damage the tip.
Nail Polish Remover
Rubbing alcohol can remove some nail polish in a pinch, though it usually takes more work than a proper nail polish remover.
Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad and rub the nail gently. Since alcohol can dry out the skin and nails, wash your hands afterward and apply moisturizer or cuticle oil if needed.
Clean Hair Tools
Hairbrushes and combs can collect oil, hair products, and other buildup over time. Rubbing alcohol can help clean some plastic or metal tools.
Remove loose hair first, then wipe the tool with a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. For washable tools, you can follow with water and let them dry completely.
Avoid soaking electrical hair tools. For items such as curling irons or straighteners, unplug them and let them cool completely before wiping them down.
A Few Rubbing Alcohol Safety Tips
Rubbing alcohol is useful around the house, but it still needs to be handled carefully. Keep it away from flames, sparks, and heat because it is highly flammable. Use it in a well-ventilated area, and never mix it with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.
A little can go a long way. Test it on an unseen area before cleaning a visible surface, and check the manufacturer’s instructions for anything delicate or expensive.
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