10 Genius Ways to Use Rubbing Alcohol to Make Your Home Cleaner
April 30, 2025

Have you ever wondered whether that bottle of isopropyl alcohol hiding in your cabinet has many uses besides functioning as an antiseptic? It can even become a well-hidden secret for cleaning and freshening the home. Rubbing alcohol is, in fact, not just for first-aid; it is a multitasking wizard that can beat the dirt and clean stains and freshen up the air in your home. But from lights out mirrors to spotless electronics, the answer goes even further than you think. 

Are you ready to find out how far such a household hero can truly go? Well, here are 10 ingenious ways you’ll be using rubbing alcohol to keep your house feeling and looking fab all by itself with fewer efforts and more brilliance.

1. Windows and Mirrors that Shine

Rubbing alcohol is the best cleaner for windows and glass. Grime, goo, and toothpaste stains stand no chance, according to End of Lease Cleaning Perth. Combine one part rubbing alcohol and four parts distilled water, and mix up this wonderful homemade antidote.

Shake it up well and spritz it all over. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving no trace of streaks and marks behind. Buff to an added shine using a clean microfibre cloth.

2. Electronics Cleaning and Disinfecting

Many computers, desktops, keyboards, and game controllers serve as a breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria throughout their use from one person to another.

This magical solution is great for cleaning off fingerprints and other lurking germs. Just drop a bit of rubbing alcohol on the microfiber cloth and wipe gently over the surface. 

3. Banish the Glue Stains

What havoc glue or sticker residue can wreak on your surfaces! But it’s not really cleaning fullness that this will bring, since abrasive scrubbing will damage the local areas- they have painted walls and hardwood floors, for instance. 

  • With this kind of alkyl ethyl group, almost every surface can have an adhesive easy to remove from it. So, here is a brief procedure:
  • Gently peel off the sticker.
  • After that, soak the residual part in rubbing alcohol for half an hour.
  • Scraping should be the next step with a flat and stiff implement like a butter knife. 
  • Along the lines, homemade cleaners can also be used instead of bleach and toxic chemicals.

4. Expert Upholstery Cleaner DIY

Are you still scrubbing your delicate upholstered furniture with rigid stain removers? Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners leave stains permanently in the fabric if used too vigorously. Fear not! Put away your costly fabric cleaners, because rubbing alcohol is the solution. 

For getting rid of those splotchy staining disasters, it works wonders because the surface will be intact and not permanently damaged. Add two cups of rubbing alcohol to a spray bottle and then lightly apply it over the affected area. Use a clean cloth or soft-bristle brush to blot it until most of the gross stuff is removed. Make sure to blot the surface with a damp cloth afterwards and air the fabric dry.

5. Get Rid of Buildup Grease in Your Kitchen

With a solution of rubbing alcohol, cleaning off buildup grease and grime on stovetops, countertops, and cabinets becomes an easy task. It does wonders in degrading the gunk, oil splatters, and grease from very delicate surfaces. The solution consists of an equal quantity of isopropyl alcohol and warm water in a container. Dip a sponge and gently scrub to wipe off stains from tiles and other surfaces.

Then use a damp cloth soaked in hot water to rinse down the area. And finally, dry up the surface for streak-free results. However, if preparing for an inspection for your rentals, do look for some quality end of lease cleaning services. They are great at getting rid of stubborn stains and grime from nearly every surface. With their assistance, you can claim back your bond money in no time. 

6. Remove Permanent Marker and Ink Stains

Put down that expensive product! It is easy and cheap to remove permanent marker stains from walls and carpets with rubbing alcohol. Spray the stain, let it work for a few minutes, and scrub it with a used toothbrush in circular movements. Permanent marker stains from laminate countertops, wood furniture, and hard plastic items are easily wiped away with this method. For delicate surfaces, blotting is the way to go. All your whiteness will remain intact without burning a hole in your pocket.

Tip: One day per week, sterilise your kitchen sponges and rags. Change them out as needed.

7. Bring Back the Glint of Your Jewellery

Soak your jewelry items in rubbing alcohol for about 10 minutes; this would disintegrate the grime and scum effectively. But use it mostly on the gold, platinum, silver, and precious gems.

Tip: Do not apply alcohol to opals, pearls, and other costume jewellery.

8. Sanitise Soiled Sponges

Believe it or not! The sponges and rags of the kitchen are some of the most dangerous breeding sites for deadly germs and bacteria. These can create multiple foodborne illnesses and infections. So, soak it in a rubbing alcohol solution for about 30 minutes, and microwave for 2 minutes; then drain the solution from that sponge after it cools down. Let it dry.

9. Eliminate Fruit Fly Averted

The fruit fly can reproduce rapidly and cause food contamination and other cleanliness problems in kitchens and food storage areas. Spray the area affected with rubbing alcohol to get rid of them. Before vacating a rented property, call the best pest control service provider.

10. Shine Stainless Steel, Sinks, and Chrome Surfaces

Miracle cleaners work best on an assortment of surfaces, from stainless steel devices to porcelain sinks and chrome pipes, to drive away grime, junk, and limescale. This can be followed up with a dry cloth for gentle scrubbing and polishing, restoring shine in a wink. Most importantly, whether it’s brass, metal with a sensitivity to vinegar and other acidic cleaners just plain shine, this cleaning agent will work wonders! Just hire a specialised team for an end of lease cleaning to protect your hard-earned bond money as you plan to move out of your rented property.

Conclusion

Rubbing alcohol is one of the most versatile of all cleaning agents, but remains largely underrated. Rubbing Alcohol disinfects all surfaces, and uses apply to the above cleaning purposes to keep your house healthy and hygienic. Always test for spots on the product and read care labels to avoid expensive repairs and permanent damage.

For safe handling and usage, refer to guidance from official Australian sources such as Safe Work Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and local councils like the Federation Council. These resources offer clear information on chemical safety, disinfectant use, and household hygiene practices.

Also learn about Five Clever Vacuum Cleaning Tips for All Cleaners