Rubbing alcohol has its place in many households bathroom cabinets. The bottle seems to last forever because it’s list of common uses isn’t very long (plus a little goes a long way). I’m happy to say that like many other common household products, rubbing alcohol has some unexpected uses as well.
Clean Microfiber Couch
Unlike water the rubbing alcohol quickly evaporates. Put full strength rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Soak the stain with the rubbing alcohol and use a hard bristle brush brush to rub it into the couch. Next, use a soft sponge or white rag and dab at the spot. What comes out of your couch may shock you.
Air Freshener
Mix a cup of rubbing alcohol and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. You now have an amazing air freshener.
Nail Polish Remover
Nail Polish removers are full of chemicals and they don’t always leave your nails looking the best. Using rubbing alcohol to remove your nail polish is better for your nails than all of those chemicals and it works just as well.
Fruit Flies
If fruit flies have invaded your home, use a spray bottle of full strength rubbing alcohol and spray the area where they are. This should not only kill them but, should also keep them from returning.
Facial Cleanser
Rubbing alcohol will help clean your face and kill any bacteria that is in the area. If you are using rubbing alcohol as a facial cleanser be sure to follow it with a lotion meant for your face so your pores don’t get clogged.
Remove Stickers
I can’t stand when I am trying to remove stickers and the sticky gunk stays behind. Soak the leftover sticker gunk with rubbing alcohol and let it sit a few minutes. After that, the sticker should easily rub off.
Homemade Ice Pack
Mixing two parts water and one part rubbing alcohol in a sealed bag will make the perfect ice pack. I highly suggest double bagging the mixture in case one pops open.
Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol is usually one of many ingredients in many commercial sanitizers. Making your own means that you know exactly what is in it. It doesn’t hurt that you can choose any scent you want as well.
Just use one part Aloe Vera gel to three parts rubbing alcohol will make your sanitizer. If you choose to, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a one of a kind scented sanitizer.
Hair Spray Residue on Mirrors
Saturate a clean rag with rubbing alcohol or spray it directly on the mirror and the residue should come right off.
Windshield De-Icer
In a spray bottle mix one part rubbing alcohol to eight parts water. Spray on your windshield and it will keep the ice off. Repeat the process after a heavy rain or washing your car.
Fix Your Broken Blush, Eye Shadow, and Powders
If you have dropped your precious makeup and it cracked, fear not! Just pour a little rubbing alcohol in it and smooth it over with your finger. Let dry for a few hours. Like brand new!
Kitchen Cleaner
Two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water in a spray bottle is the perfect all purpose kitchen cleaner that also doubles as a natural disinfectant. This works on regular appliances and stainless steel.
Clean and Sanitize Jewelry
Soaking your earrings and other jewelry in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes will clean and sanitize them. After the pieces are removed from the rubbing alcohol use a lint free clean cloth to polish it.
Phone Screen
Phone screens get pretty dirty since most of them are touch screens these days. Using a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and wipe your phone down. Not only will it get all of the fingerprints off of your phone, but it will also disinfect your phone.
Rubbing alcohol has so many other uses aside from cleaning cuts and scrapes. These are a few of my favorite unexpected uses for rubbing alcohol.