12 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean With Rubbing Alcohol

There’s no better remedy for a scraped knee than rubbing alcohol. But besides disinfecting minor wounds, this medicine cabinet staple is also a helpful multipurpose cleaning product. Rubbing alcohol can be used to refresh a wide variety of surfaces, remove difficult stains, tackle dirt and grime, and more. Here are 12 things you didn’t know you could clean with rubbing alcohol.

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Carpet

For difficult carpet stains, fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and mist the problem area of the carpet to break down and loosen dirt. Immediately after spraying the carpet, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining dirt. Use this method sparingly, as it may cause carpet colors to fade over time.

Stainless Steel

To remove water spots, smudges, and stubborn stains from stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them away easily. You can utilize this method for silverware, kitchen appliance exteriors, and any other product made from stainless steel for a streak-free clean.

Houseplants

Scale insects are one of the trickiest household pests to get rid of. To stop an infestation, dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and apply it to the stems and leaves of your plant. The alcohol is potent enough to kill the bugs without harming the plant.

Windshields

Cold mornings may cause your car’s windshield to develop hard-to-remove frost. Rather than struggling with an ice scraper or leaving the heat on for several minutes, mix two parts of rubbing alcohol with one part of water inside a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the windshield to break down the ice and make it easy to wipe away. This method can also be used to remove other difficult stains from windshields, including tree sap and bird poop.

Jewelry

Rubbing alcohol is an excellent cleaning solution for tarnished gold or silver jewelry. Simply fill a bowl with rubbing alcohol and submerge your jewelry overnight. The next day, take a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, and carefully wipe off any remaining dirt. However, avoid using this method for costume jewelry, pearls, or opals because the alcohol can dry out the natural oils in these materials, causing them to crack.

Keyboards

Dirt can easily build up in the crevices of a computer keyboard. Be careful not to spray rubbing alcohol directly onto the keyboard, as doing so may be enough to damage the electronic components. Instead, dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and use it to clean in between your keys thoroughly.

Microwaves

To deep-clean your microwave, start by filling a bowl with equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, place the bowl in the microwave, and turn it on for two minutes. The steam from the solution will help break down any food splattered inside the microwave. Once the two minutes have passed, open the door, dip a cloth into the same solution, and wipe the interior of the microwave clean.

Mirrors

Using water to clean your mirrors may lead to streaking. Instead, mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol inside a spray bottle. Spray the mirror and wipe away with a clean rag, leaving a streak-free, crystal-clear surface behind.

Shoes

Cleaning shoes can be an intensive process, especially when treating stubborn odors. Rubbing alcohol is an effective deodorizer because it easily kills odor-causing bacteria. Spray rubbing alcohol inside smelly shoes and leave them to air dry in direct sunlight. The odor should fade as the shoes dry.

Ink Stains

Ink stains are a nightmare to remove from fabric, but rubbing alcohol simplifies the process. Pat the stain with a dry paper towel, then pour rubbing alcohol on the stain to dilute it before blotting it away with a clean cloth. Gentle dabbing is the most effective method for removing ink — wiping the stain may cause the ink to streak.

Sponges

Extend the longevity of your sponges by soaking them in a bowl of rubbing alcohol once a week to help kill harmful bacteria and germs. 

Blinds

Blinds are tricky to clean, but rubbing alcohol can help simplify the process. If your blinds are made of faux wood, plastic, or vinyl, apply a light coating of rubbing alcohol to a microfiber cloth and carefully wipe down each slat to remove dust and restore shine.

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