This post may contain affiliate links.
Isopropyl alcohol, often referred to as rubbing alcohol, is well-known for disinfecting wounds and its use in hand sanitizers and household cleaners. However, its uses extend far beyond these, serving as a surprisingly versatile tool in survival situations and emergencies. Here are a few survival uses for rubbing alcohol.
First Aid
Rubbing alcohol is an essential first-aid tool due to its strong disinfecting properties. It’s highly effective for cleaning minor cuts and scrapes, helping to prevent infection by killing bacteria. Additionally, rubbing alcohol can be used to thoroughly sanitize first aid equipment like tweezers, scissors, or thermometers, ensuring that any tools you use remain sterile and safe.
Peel off Adhesive Stickers and Labels
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent solution for removing stickers from glass surfaces. This is great for preppers who like to remove labels from already used jars and containers.
Simply apply a small amount to a cotton ball or microfiber cloth and rub it over the sticker. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, softening the adhesive. Once the alcohol has had time to work, peel off the sticker with ease. To finish, use a clean cloth to wipe away any leftover residue. The rubbing alcohol effectively dissolves the adhesive, making sticker removal quick and hassle-free.
Relieve Bug Bites
Rubbing alcohol can provide quick relief from the irritation caused by insect bites and stings. When applied to the affected area, it soothes the skin and helps alleviate itching, offering much-needed comfort.
Homemade All Natural Bug Spray for Mosquitoes and Ticks
Start a Fire
Rubbing alcohol’s flammability makes it a reliable fire starter in survival situations. In a pinch, you can squirt or spray a small amount onto wood, twigs, or kindling to help ignite a fire quickly. Its ability to burn easily, even in damp conditions, makes rubbing alcohol particularly useful when dry materials are scarce.
Make Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Rubbing alcohol is a key ingredient in most commercial hand sanitizers, making it a valuable item to have on hand for emergency preparedness. In situations where store-bought sanitizer isn’t available, you can easily make your own using rubbing alcohol.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has a trusted formula for DIY hand sanitizer that combines isopropyl alcohol or ethanol with
Ease Muscle Aches
During physically demanding situations, such as those in survival scenarios, the strain on your body can lead to sore muscles and aching joints. Massaging rubbing alcohol onto the skin not only helps increase blood circulation to the affected areas, but also provides a cooling sensation that can ease discomfort. This simple remedy can offer much-needed relief after a long day of hard work or stress.
Tile Grout
To brighten grout and remove mildew, spray a mixture of rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and water, then scrub and rinse.
Children’s Toys
Spray toys with rubbing alcohol and allow them to air dry to keep them germ-free.
Disinfect Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is excellent for sanitizing surfaces. Apply it to countertops, doorknobs, and light switches to eliminate germs and maintain a clean home.
You can easily make an eco-friendly granite cleaner. Its main ingredients are castile soap, rubbing alcohol, and essential oils. Get the Formula: Granite Cleaner
Remove Stains
It’s effective against various stains on clothing or upholstery, such as ink or lipstick. Simply apply it to the stain and dab away until it lifts, then wash as usual.
Deodorize Shoes
Spray the insides of your shoes with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Allow them to dry completely before wearing them again.
Clean Eyeglasses
Wiping your glasses with a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth will remove oils and fingerprints without harming them.
Weed Killer
Rubbing alcohol can effectively dehydrate weeds. Mix it with water (and, optionally, a surfactant like dish soap) and spray directly onto the weeds.
12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden
DIY Glass Cleaner
Create your own glass cleaner that tackles dirt and grime and leaves your windows and mirrors sparkling clean. The main ingredients are rubbing alcohol and vinegar, so you can create this formula in no time.
Get the Formula: DIY Glass Cleaner
8 All-Natural Homemade Cleaners You Can DIY at Home
Making your own all-natural homemade cleaner means using safe, eco-friendly ingredients that you may already have at home.
Check out these easy homemade recipes for window cleaner, laundry detergent, and more.
8 All-Natural Homemade Cleaners
16 Surprising Household Problems You Can Fix With Vaseline
Vaseline is a versatile and readily accessible household staple with many unexpected uses. Here are 16 ways to use it for household problems.
