7 Handy Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol Around the House

Remove Permanent Marker

Permanent marker isn't always as permanent as the name suggests. Use rubbing alcohol to remove it from hard surfaces such as laminate countertops and hard plastic items, wood furniture, fabrics, and painted walls.

1. Place some rubbing alcohol on an old cloth or paper towel.
2. Start at the outside of the stain and work toward the center to prevent spreading the ink.
3. Dab and blot.
4. Move to a clean area of the towel as the ink is transferred.
5. Keep working slowly until all of the ink is gone.

Clean Windows and Mirrors

Rubbing alcohol makes a wonderful window and mirror cleaner because it cuts through any build-up like hairspray, toothpaste, and grease.

1. Make homemade glass cleaner by pouring one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of distilled water, and one tablespoon of vinegar into a spray bottle.
2. Shake to mix and label the bottle.
3. The solvent-based alcohol will evaporate quickly eliminating streaks and spots.

Remove Water Spots and Fingerprints

Rid faucets and bathroom fixtures of water spots by wiping them down with a cloth dampened with a few drops of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol breaks down the minerals in the water that left the telltale spots on chrome fixtures.

For stainless steel sinks and appliances, dampen a paper towel or microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe following the grain of the metal to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Sanitize Electronic Devices

Cellphones, computer keyboards, earbuds, game controllers, and other high-use electronic gadgets harbor lots of bacteria and grime from our hands. While you should consult the manufacturer before using any cleaning product, a lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol will greatly reduce the number of bacteria on the surfaces and remove built-up dirt.

Degrease Your Kitchen

Tackle that grease buildup on your stovetop, counters, and cabinets with a rubbing alcohol solution. The alcohol works as a solvent to cut through the grease and it will dry quickly leaving the surfaces squeaky clean.

1. Mix equal parts hot water and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a sink or container.
2. Dip a clean sponge or soft cloth into the solution, and wipe away the grease.
3. Dip a fresh sponge or cloth in plain warm water, and rinse the area.
4. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the surfaces to a streak-free shine.
   

Make Your Own Air Freshener

Freshen the air in your home with a rubbing alcohol-based room spray that you made yourself. All you need is water, rubbing alcohol, your favorite essential oil, and a misting bottle.

1. Fill the bottle 75 percent full with water and 25 percent rubbing alcohol.
2. Add 10-20 drops of essential oil.
3. Cap the bottle and shake well to combine the ingredients.
4. You can mix and match the scented oils to match your tastes and the season.
   

Make Homemade Upholstery Cleaner

The upholstery on our furniture and vehicle seats takes a beating from food and drink spills, pets, and general soil. Regular cleaning helps prevent excessive wear and helps keep stains under control. You can make a rubbing alcohol-based upholstery cleaner for fabrics that should only be cleaned with a dry cleaning or water-free solvent to remove stains and soils.

1. Pour two cups of alcohol into a spray bottle and label it.
2. Lightly spritz the fabric starting at the top of a cushion or section.
3. While the fabric is damp, use a soft-bristled brush to remove the soil.
4. Rinse the brush frequently in plain water and shake it to remove as much moisture as possible before continuing to clean.
5. Allow the fabric to air-dry.