101 Ways To Use Rubbing Alcohol Around Your Home & Garden

Rubbing alcohol is a versatile and affordable household item that can be found in almost every medicine cabinet. But did you know that it has numerous uses beyond just cleaning wounds? From disinfecting surfaces to removing stubborn stains, rubbing alcohol can be a handy tool for various tasks around your home and garden. In this article, we’ll explore 101 ways to use rubbing alcohol in creative and practical ways.

1. Disinfect surfaces: Use rubbing alcohol to clean and disinfect countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas.
2. Clean electronics: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol to wipe down computer keyboards, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
3. Remove ink stains: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball or cloth and dab it on ink stains before laundering.
4. Clean eyeglasses: Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove smudges and fingerprints from eyeglasses.
5. Remove sticky residue: Whether it’s from labels or tape, rubbing alcohol can help dissolve and remove sticky residue from various surfaces.
6. Remove marker stains: If you or your kids accidentally mark on the walls or furniture, use rubbing alcohol to remove the stains.
7. Deodorize shoes: Spray rubbing alcohol inside shoes to kill odor-causing bacteria and eliminate unpleasant smells.
8. Clean makeup brushes: Soak your makeup brushes in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to disinfect and remove buildup.
9. Clean stainless steel appliances: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe down stainless steel appliances for a streak-free shine.
10. Remove nail polish: Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and use it to remove nail polish from your nails.
11. Clean mirrors and glass: Spray rubbing alcohol onto mirrors and glass surfaces, then wipe with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine.
12. Disinfect sponges: Soak kitchen sponges in a solution of rubbing alcohol and water to kill bacteria and remove odors.
13. Remove water stains: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over water stains on wood furniture.
14. Clean blinds: Dip a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol to clean and remove dust from blinds.
15. Remove permanent marker stains from clothing: Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and blot with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.
16. Disinfect children’s toys: Wipe down toys with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol to kill germs and bacteria.
17. Clean bathroom fixtures: Use rubbing alcohol to remove grime and fingerprints from faucets, showerheads, and other bathroom fixtures.
18. Remove carpet stains: Blot carpet stains with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to lift the stain.
19. Clean oven racks: Soak oven racks in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to remove grease and grime.
20. Disinfect cutting boards: Wipe down cutting boards with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent cross-contamination.
21. Remove crayon marks: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently rub it over crayon marks on walls or furniture.
22. Clean stainless steel sinks: Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cloth or sponge and scrub stainless steel sinks for a sparkling clean finish.
23. Remove mildew from grout: Apply rubbing alcohol to a toothbrush and scrub grout to remove mildew and stains.
24. Disinfect pet items: Wipe down pet toys, bowls, and litter boxes with rubbing alcohol to keep them clean and germ-free.
25. Remove sticker residue from clothes: Dab rubbing alcohol on sticker residue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as usual.
26. Clean blinds and shades: Dip a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol to clean and remove dust from blinds and shades.
27. Disinfect gardening tools: Wipe down gardening tools with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of plant diseases.
28. Remove grass stains: Apply rubbing alcohol to grass stains on clothing and launder as usual.
29. Clean car windows: Spray rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth and use it to clean car windows for a streak-free shine.
30. Remove grease stains from clothing: Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and blot with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.
31. Disinfect remote controls: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down remote controls to kill germs and bacteria.
32. Clean ceramic and porcelain tiles: Wipe down ceramic and porcelain tiles with rubbing alcohol for a sparkling clean finish.
33. Remove candle wax: Apply rubbing alcohol to candle wax and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrape off the wax with a dull knife.
34. Disinfect trash cans: Spray the inside of trash cans with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
35. Clean air vents: Use rubbing alcohol to wipe down air vents and remove dust and grime.
36. Remove rust: Soak rusty items in rubbing alcohol for a few hours, then scrub off the rust with a brush or sponge.
37. Disinfect doormats: Spray rubbing alcohol onto doormats to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of germs.
38. Clean tile grout: Apply rubbing alcohol to a toothbrush and scrub grout to remove dirt and stains.
39. Remove coffee and tea stains: Dab a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol onto coffee or tea stains on countertops or clothing.
40. Disinfect garbage disposal: Pour rubbing alcohol down the drain to disinfect and eliminate odors in the garbage disposal.
41. Clean lampshades: Gently wipe lampshades with a cloth dampened in rubbing alcohol to remove dust and stains.
42. Remove grease from range hoods: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe down range hoods to remove grease buildup.
43. Disinfect refrigerator shelves: Wipe down refrigerator shelves with rubbing alcohol to kill germs and prevent cross-contamination.
44. Clean computer screens: Spray rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth and gently clean computer screens for a smudge-free display.
45. Remove lipstick stains: Dab rubbing alcohol onto lipstick stains on clothing, let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual.
46. Disinfect pet grooming tools: Wipe down pet grooming tools with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of infections.
47. Clean leather furniture: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently wipe down leather furniture to remove stains and odors.
48. Remove adhesive residue from countertops: Dab rubbing alcohol onto adhesive residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub off the residue with a sponge or cloth.
49. Disinfect garbage bins: Spray the inside of garbage bins with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and neutralize odors.
50. Clean window screens: Dip a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol and wipe down window screens to remove dirt and grime.
51. Remove lipstick stains from glassware: Soak lipstick-stained glassware in rubbing alcohol, then wash as usual.
52. Disinfect pet bedding: Spray pet bedding with rubbing alcohol to kill fleas, mites, and bacteria.
53. Clean patio furniture: Wipe down patio furniture with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt, stains, and mildew.
54. Remove oil stains from clothing: Dab rubbing alcohol onto oil stains and blot with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.
55. Disinfect gym equipment: Spray rubbing alcohol onto gym equipment and wipe down to kill germs and bacteria.
56. Clean refrigerator seals: Wipe down refrigerator seals with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and prevent mold growth.
57. Remove scuff marks from floors: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently rub scuff marks on floors until they disappear.
58. Disinfect plant pots: Wipe down plant pots with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of plant diseases.
59. Clean artificial flowers: Spray rubbing alcohol onto artificial flowers and wipe them down to remove dust and grime.
60. Remove tar stains from clothing: Apply rubbing alcohol to tar stains and blot with a clean cloth until the stain lifts.
61. Disinfect bird feeders: Spray bird feeders with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of diseases.
62. Clean car interiors: Wipe down car interiors, including dashboards and door handles, with rubbing alcohol to kill germs and bacteria.
63. Remove wine stains: Dab a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol onto wine stains on clothing or upholstery.
64. Disinfect gardening gloves: Spray gardening gloves with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of plant diseases.
65. Clean shower curtains: Wipe down shower curtains with rubbing alcohol to remove soap scum and mildew.
66. Remove grease from stove burners: Soak stove burners in rubbing alcohol to dissolve and remove grease buildup.
67. Disinfect pet cages: Spray pet cages with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria, mites, and other pests.
68. Clean porcelain fixtures: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe down porcelain fixtures for a clean and shiny finish.
69. Remove rust stains: Dab a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol onto rust stains on clothing or surfaces.
70. Disinfect gardening containers: Wipe down gardening containers with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent plant diseases.
71. Clean crystal and glassware: Soak crystal and glassware in rubbing alcohol to remove stains and restore shine.
72. Remove paint stains: Dab rubbing alcohol onto paint stains on clothing or surfaces, then blot with a clean cloth.
73. Disinfect pet collars and leashes: Wipe down pet collars and leashes with rubbing alcohol to kill germs and bacteria.
74. Clean car headlights: Wipe car headlights with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt, grime, and foggy residue.
75. Remove grass stains from shoes: Apply rubbing alcohol to grass stains on shoes and scrub with a brush until the stains lift.
76. Disinfect pet grooming brushes: Soak pet grooming brushes in rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and remove pet hair buildup.
77. Clean ceramic cooktops: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe down ceramic cooktops to remove grease and stains.
78. Remove ink stains from carpets: Blot ink stains on carpets with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol until the stains lift.
79. Disinfect fish tanks: Wipe down the inside of fish tanks with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of diseases.
80. Clean outdoor play equipment: Spray rubbing alcohol onto outdoor play equipment to kill germs and bacteria.
81. Remove adhesive residue from glass: Dab rubbing alcohol onto adhesive residue on glass surfaces and wipe clean.
82. Disinfect bird cages: Spray bird cages with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and mites.
83. Clean bicycle chains: Wipe down bicycle chains with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grease buildup.
84. Remove pet hair from furniture: Spray rubbing alcohol onto furniture and wipe with a cloth to remove pet hair.
85. Disinfect reptile terrariums: Wipe down reptile terrariums with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and parasites.
86. Clean resin patio furniture: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe down resin patio furniture to remove dirt and stains.
87. Remove nail polish stains from surfaces: Dab rubbing alcohol onto nail polish stains on countertops or floors, then wipe clean.
88. Disinfect fish tank accessories: Soak fish tank accessories in rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and remove algae buildup.
89. Clean bicycle helmets: Spray rubbing alcohol onto a cloth and wipe down bicycle helmets to remove dirt and sweat residue.
90. Remove marker stains from whiteboards: Dab rubbing alcohol onto marker stains on whiteboards and wipe clean.
91. Disinfect reptile heating pads: Wipe down reptile heating pads with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and parasites.
92. Clean fiberglass surfaces: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and wipe down fiberglass surfaces to remove stains and grime.
93. Remove gum from clothing: Apply rubbing alcohol to gum stuck on clothing and gently scrape it off.
94. Disinfect bird baths: Spray rubbing alcohol into bird baths to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of diseases.
95. Clean vinyl records: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe down vinyl records to remove dirt and dust.
96. Remove paint stains from skin: Dab rubbing alcohol onto paint stains on skin and wash with soap and water.
97. Disinfect fish tank nets: Soak fish tank nets in rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of diseases.
98. Clean fiberglass shower stalls: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth or sponge and wipe down fiberglass shower stalls to remove soap scum and stains.
99. Remove scuff marks from walls: Apply rubbing alcohol to a cloth and gently rub scuff marks on walls until they disappear.
100. Disinfect reptile water bowls: Wipe down reptile water bowls with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and prevent the growth of algae.
101. Clean remote-controlled toys: Wipe down remote-controlled toys with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and kill germs.

These are just a few of the many ways you can use rubbing alcohol around your home and garden. With its disinfecting, cleaning, and stain-removing properties, rubbing alcohol is a versatile and valuable tool to have on hand. However, it’s essential to use rubbing alcohol safely and follow the instructions on the label. Remember to test it on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on delicate or sensitive surfaces.

Next time you reach for that bottle of rubbing alcohol, remember its potential to tackle various cleaning and disinfecting tasks. Happy cleaning and gardening!