Rubbing alcohol is more commonly used on boo-boos to clean the skin, but it has some other amazing uses that you may not have thought of. You can purchase rubbing alcohol at any drug store or make your own rubbing alcohol by combining three parts of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol with one part of water. Although you will need to replace the mixture on occasion since it evaporates quickly when exposed to air. This article will discuss the top uses for rubbing alcohol, so keep reading!
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Cleaning Jewelry
Most people do not think of using rubbing alcohol to clean their jewelry, but it is excellent for removing dirt and grime that accumulates on the surface. Just take a small bowl and add two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water, then submerge your jewelry in the solution for about ten minutes. If any stains remain, make another batch of cleaning solution and let the piece sit for an additional five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Refreshing Sponges
Sponges are perfect for absorbing dirt, but they can become smelly if you don’t clean them often. You do not need any harsh chemicals to clean your sponges; all you have to do is soak them in water with two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol.
Sterilizing Utensils
It is important to sterilize utensils after using them on raw meat or poultry because this type of food can contain harmful microbes. All you need to sterilize a spoon, knife, etc., is four liters of boiling hot tap water mixed with an ounce (two tablespoons) of rubbing alcohol. Boil the utensils in this solution for five minutes, rinse them with clean water and set them aside to dry completely before using them again.
Cleaning Stainless Steel
Rubbing alcohol works great for removing fingerprints and other stains from stainless steel appliances. Just mix some water with an ounce (two tablespoons) of rubbing alcohol, dip a rag or paper towel in the solution, then wipe down your appliance until it is clean. Rinse the area with warm water to remove any residue.
Removing Residue From Glassware
You can use rubbing alcohol to remove residue left behind by milk, soda, and wine. Dab a small amount on the affected area and rub it with your finger. It will also help eliminate stubborn rings around glasses that you do not want to put through the dishwasher or hand wash in hot water. Just take some warm water mixed with an ounce (two tablespoons) of rubbing alcohol, place your glass upside down on top of some paper towels, then pour the solution over the surface until all residue has been removed. You may need to repeat this process two or three times if there is still debris stuck to your glass.
Removing Stickers
Rubbing alcohol works great for removing stickers from glass and mirrors. Just take a cotton ball or rag with rubbing alcohol on it, hold it against the sticker for a few seconds, then slide your finger along the edge of the sticker to help lift it off of whatever you are trying to remove it from. Repeat this process until all traces of the sticker are removed.
Cleaning Brushes & Combs
It would be best to clean your hairbrushes and combs often so they do not accumulate large amounts of bacteria over time (which could lead to infections). All you need is a small bowl filled with hot water mixed with an ounce (two tablespoons) of rubbing alcohol. Then, take your comb or brush and dip it into the solution for about three minutes to sterilize them both before rinsing with clean water and drying completely.
Cleaning Fruits & Vegetables
You can remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables by soaking them in a mixture of warm water mixed with an ounce (two tablespoons) of rubbing alcohol. Let this soak for five minutes, rinse thoroughly under running tap water until all traces have been removed from the produce. Then, dry immediately, so they do not become moldy. You will notice that pesticide residue has disappeared after using this method!
Removing Scratches On Wood Furniture
If you have some scratches on your wood furniture that you want to remove, mix equal parts of olive oil and rubbing alcohol into a bowl. Then apply it with a soft rag (or some cheesecloth) onto the scratched area until it is completely covered. Use circular motions while applying this mixture to penetrate through the scratch first, then let dry overnight before wiping away any excess grease with paper towels or another rag.
Cleaning Makeup Brushes
You can clean your makeup brushes with rubbing alcohol by soaking them in a bowl filled with warm water and some of the solution, so they are completely submerged. Let this soak for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly under running tap water. You will be able to see that there is no more foundation or powder on your cosmetic tools after doing this!
Removing Dried Ink Stains
If you get an ink stain on clothing or carpeting, do not try removing it immediately because you cannot properly clean dried stains without moistening them first. All you need is some white bread, which acts like a sponge, in this case. Then, gently dab the bread on the stain for about two minutes to absorb as much liquid ink as possible. Then place some paper towels over both sides of the clothing or carpeting and press down with your hands until you remove all the excess moisture.
Disinfecting Mobile Phone Screens
You can disinfect your mobile phone screens using a cotton swab to apply some alcohol onto the glass. Let this sit for about one minute, then wipe away any residue with another clean and dry piece of fabric (such as cheesecloth). This will reduce the number of bacteria on your touch screen that could lead to infections or other issues. Be sure not to use too much because you do not want liquid running into certain spots where electrical components are!
Conclusion
You can find many uses for rubbing alcohol that will benefit your home, health, and even the environment. It’s a versatile item that you can use in many ways. There are several more uses for it, so do some research if you’re interested in learning more. This is a cheap solution to so many different household problems! Make sure you always have a bottle of the solution in your home to ensure nothing ever gets out of hand.