A popular medicine cabinet essential, rubbing alcohol is used to treat bug bites, disinfect minor wounds, and more. There are numerous indoor and outdoor uses for this popular mixture, which is made up of either isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol (ethanol) mixed with water. Here, professionals share their go-to use for rubbing alcohol, which will be useful for everything from cleaning to creating.
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Smart Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol at Home
Disinfect Surfaces
For disinfecting surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and counters, rubbing alcohol is the best choice.Because it eliminates viruses and germs, it can be used in place of harsh chemical cleaners.
Surfaces can dry more quickly because rubbing alcohol evaporates swiftly and leaves no residue.
Clean Silk Flowers
Dust, oil, and filth can coat artificial flowers, particularly if they are hung or displayed in the kitchen. The ideal remedy is rubbing alcohol. Alcohol can be used to remove dirt and restore the artificial leaves and petals to their former splendor. In addition to effectively dissolving the grease, it dries rapidly to prevent the petals and leaves from becoming soggy.
Rubber alcohol should only be used to clean silk, plastic, or fabric flowers; avoid using it undiluted as it may cause colors to bleed or fade. “Always dilute it in a spray bottle with 50 percent water so that it is more gentle, “and test it on an inconspicuous area.”
Lift Carpet Stains
Removing stubborn stains from carpets and rugs is one of the best applications for rubbing alcohol around the house.Don’t rub the stain in; instead, dab it with rubbing alcohol.
Continue until the stain begins to disappear. After letting it air dry, your stain will be gone.
Decontaminate Makeup Brushes
For both sanitary and practical reasons, makeup brushes should be cleaned on a regular basis. Fortunately, rubbing alcohol makes rapid cleaning a breeze. Simply mist the bristles with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol, then gently swirl them on a paper towel or washcloth.
Rubbing alcohol is a quick fix for morning makeup application, but it shouldn’t be used as a routine cosmetic brush cleaner.
Because it dries rapidly, rubbing alcohol is a wonderful choice for short cleanings. However, if you use it frequently, it might dry out and harm the bristles, so use it sparingly. (You’re better off using tea tree oil or a mild dish soap for a thorough cleaning.)
Make Vibrant Craft Colors
Want to use your current craft supplies in a new way? “Rubbing alcohol may be used to make some very amazing color schemes and artwork.
“Using a dropper, drip the rubbing alcohol onto the canvas you’ve painted and it will separate the colors creating a watercolor like effect.” A little goes a long way, so use it cautiously.
Wipe Down Metal Surfaces
Your pool ladder and other metal surfaces in your yard can be effectively cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
either adding a little more rubbing alcohol than water, or diluting the rubbing alcohol with water until the ratio is 1:1. After rubbing the solution onto the gleaming metal surface with a towel, allow it to dry.
In addition to being quick and efficient, this is also a disinfectant, which makes it ideal for high-touch metal surfaces like pool ladders.
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