Rubbing Alcohol: The Miracle Solution You Didn’t Know You Needed

Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a common and surprisingly versatile household item. From cleaning your blinds to getting out pesky permanent marker stains, read on for rubbing alcohol’s many uses — and some safety tips.

What is rubbing alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a clear liquid that contains ethanol or isopropanol, which are both alcohols. Alcohols have a property of being able to kill bacteria and viruses, and also evaporate quickly, making them ideal for cleaning and disinfecting.

There are different concentrations of rubbing alcohol available, usually ranging from 70% to 99%. For most household uses, 70% is preferable, as it is less harsh on the skin and also more effective against bacteria than higher concentrations.

Medical uses

Rubbing alcohol is a part of most people’s first-aid kits, and for good reason. You can use it for the following medical purposes:

• Antiseptic: Rubbing alcohol is a natural bactericidal treatment, meaning it kills bacteria but doesn’t necessarily prevent their growth. You can use it to clean minor cuts and scrapes, and reduce the risk of infection. Just apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad and dab it on the wound. However, be careful not to use it on large or deep wounds, as it can delay healing and cause tissue damage.
• Postoperative nausea: If you feel nauseous after surgery, you might want to sniff some rubbing alcohol. According to a study, smelling rubbing alcohol can help relieve nausea faster than traditional medications. Just soak a cotton ball or pad in rubbing alcohol and hold it near your nose. But don’t inhale it directly, as it can irritate your lungs and cause coughing.
• Liniment for muscle aches: Rubbing alcohol can also help soothe sore muscles and joints. It acts as a counterirritant, which means it creates a sensation of heat or cold that distracts you from the pain. You can make your own liniment by mixing one part rubbing alcohol with three parts water, and adding a few drops of essential oil such as peppermint or eucalyptus. Then massage the mixture onto the affected area.

Home health uses of rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can also be used for various personal care and wellness purposes, such as:

• Astringent: Rubbing alcohol can help tighten pores and leave your skin feeling refreshed. You can use it as a toner after cleansing your skin and before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. Just apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad and wipe it over your face. However, avoid using it on dry or sensitive areas, as it can cause irritation and dryness.
• Deodorant: Rubbing alcohol can help kill odor-causing bacteria under your armpits. You can use it as a quick fix if you run out of deodorant or need a refresher. Just spray or dab some rubbing alcohol under your arms, and let it dry. However, don’t use it right after shaving, as it can sting and burn.
• Shapeable ice packs: You can make your own reusable and flexible ice packs with rubbing alcohol and water. Just fill a sealable freezer bag with two parts water and one part rubbing alcohol, and freeze it for a few hours. The rubbing alcohol will prevent the water from freezing completely, creating a slushy mixture that you can mold to fit any body part. You can use these ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation, or to cool down on a hot day.

Household cleaning uses

Rubbing alcohol is also a handy cleaning agent that can tackle a variety of tasks, such as:

• Cleaning blinds: If your blinds are dusty and dirty, you can use rubbing alcohol to make them shine again. Just put some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, and spray it onto a microfiber cloth. Then wipe each slat of the blinds with the cloth, and enjoy the results.
• Cleaning dry erase boards: If your dry erase board is stained with old marks, you can use rubbing alcohol to erase them. Just apply some rubbing alcohol to a paper towel or cloth, and rub it over the board. The rubbing alcohol will dissolve the ink and leave your board clean and white.
• Removing permanent marker stains: If you or your kids have accidentally used a permanent marker on a surface that you didn’t want to, don’t panic. Rubbing alcohol can help remove the stain, as long as it is not on a porous material. Just dab some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad, and rub it over the stain until it fades. You may need to repeat this several times, depending on the size and intensity of the stain.
• Removing stickers: If you want to remove a sticker or a label from a glass, plastic, or metal surface, you can use rubbing alcohol to make it easier. Just soak the sticker or label with rubbing alcohol, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then peel it off with your fingers or a knife.

Safety tips for using rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a useful and inexpensive product, but it also comes with some risks and precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using rubbing alcohol:

• Keep it away from children and pets: Rubbing alcohol can be poisonous if ingested, and can cause serious damage to the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and store it in a cool and dry place. If someone swallows or inhales rubbing alcohol, call 911 or a poison control center immediately.
• Use it in a well-ventilated area: Rubbing alcohol can produce flammable vapors that can ignite if exposed to heat, sparks, or flames. Use it in a well-ventilated area, and avoid smoking or using candles or stoves near it. If a fire breaks out, use water, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical extinguishers to put it out.
• Do a patch test before using it on fabrics or surfaces: Rubbing alcohol can damage some fabrics or surfaces, such as silk, wool, leather, or painted wood. Before using it on any material, do a patch test on a small and inconspicuous area, and wait for 24 hours to see if there is any adverse reaction. If there is, do not use rubbing alcohol on that material.

Rubbing alcohol is a miracle solution that you didn’t know you needed. It can help you with a variety of medical, personal, and household problems, and save you time and money. Just remember to use it safely and responsibly, and enjoy its many benefits.