Rubbing alcohol is a common medicine-cabinet staple, often used to disinfect small wounds, treat insect bites, and more. This common mixture, composed of either isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol (ethanol) combined with water, can serve a multitude of purposes both indoors and outside. Here, experts reveal their favorite uses for rubbing alcohol, which are sure to come in handy, from crafting to cleaning and everything in between.
Disinfect Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is an ideal option for disinfecting surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, and light switches. “It kills both bacteria and viruses, making it a usable replacement for strong chemical cleaners,” explains Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, a family cleaning company. “Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave a residue, allowing surfaces to dry quickly,” says Schrader. (See ya, streaky surfaces!)
I’ve found that keeping a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol handy in the kitchen is a game-changer, especially for high-touch areas like fridge handles. It’s super effective and doesn’t leave that chemical smell some cleaners do. For best results, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution, as studies show this concentration is optimal for killing germs—higher or lower percentages might not be as effective. Just spritz, wipe with a clean cloth, and you’re good to go. It’s also budget-friendly; a 16-ounce bottle costs about $2-3 and lasts for months with regular use.
Clean Silk Flowers
Artificial flowers can get covered with dust, grease, and grime, especially if displayed or hung in the kitchen. Tom Yates, founder of Wreaths.co.uk., has discovered rubbing alcohol to be the perfect solution. “Rubbing alcohol helps to break through the grime and bring the artificial petals and leaves back to their original beauty,” he says. “It works well to break down the grease, but also dries quickly so the petals and leaves don’t become saturated in water.” Yates recommends avoiding undiluted rubbing alcohol, as it could cause colors to fade or bleed, and to use only when cleaning silk, plastic, or fabric flowers. “Always dilute it in a spray bottle with 50 percent water so that it is more gentle,” he says, “and test it on an inconspicuous area.”
I tried this trick on some dusty silk flowers in my dining room, and it’s amazing how vibrant they looked afterward! The science behind it is simple: isopropyl alcohol dissolves oils and grease, which cling to dust particles, without soaking the material. A quick tip—use a soft brush to gently loosen dust before spraying to avoid spreading grime. This method saves you from buying new decorations, and since a 50-50 mix uses so little alcohol, it’s a cheap fix, probably costing less than a dollar per cleaning session.
Lift Carpet Stains
One of the best uses for rubbing alcohol around your home is getting tough stains out of rugs and carpeting. “Dab some rubbing alcohol on the stain, but don’t rub it in,” advises Andrew Cohn, DIY and craft expert with COHn Acrylics. “Repeat until the stain starts to fade. Then let it air dry, and boom—you’ve cleaned up your stain.”
This method worked wonders on a coffee spill I had on my living room rug. The alcohol breaks down organic compounds in stains like food or wine, making them easier to lift. For stubborn stains, I’ve found letting the alcohol sit for a minute before dabbing helps. It’s also a lifesaver for pet owners—pet urine stains come out so much easier with this trick. Just be patient and use a clean cloth each time to avoid spreading the stain. This hack can save you from professional carpet cleaning, which can cost $100 or more per room.
Decontaminate Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes need to be cleaned periodically for both hygienic and functional purposes. Luckily, with rubbing alcohol, a quick clean couldn’t be simpler. “Just spray a small amount of rubbing alcohol directly onto the bristles and gently swirl them on a paper towel or washcloth,” advises professional organizer Lauren Saltman. Though a fast fix for when you’re doing your makeup in the morning, rubbing alcohol shouldn’t be used as your regular makeup brush cleanser. “Rubbing alcohol dries quickly, making it a good option for a quick cleaning—but frequent use of rubbing alcohol can dry out and damage the bristles, so use with caution,” Saltman explains. (For a deep clean, you’re better off using a gentle dish soap or tea tree oil.)
I keep a small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol for those rushed mornings when my brushes need a quick refresh. It’s great for killing bacteria—studies suggest isopropyl alcohol can eliminate up to 99.9% of germs on surfaces. But I’ve noticed that overusing it makes my brushes feel a bit stiff, so I stick to this for emergencies and deep clean with soap weekly. This quick clean costs pennies, compared to specialty brush cleaners that can run $10 or more per bottle.
Create Cool Colors for Crafting
Looking to get creative with your existing craft supplies? “You can create some really cool color schemes and art with rubbing alcohol,” shares Cohn. “Using a dropper, drip the rubbing alcohol onto the canvas you’ve painted and it will separate the colors creating a watercolor like effect.” Be sure to use sparingly—a little goes a long way.
I had a blast experimenting with this technique on a small canvas with some leftover acrylic paints. The alcohol causes the paint to disperse because it disrupts the paint’s surface tension, creating those dreamy, abstract patterns. For best results, use high-pigment paints and work in a well-ventilated area. This is such a fun, low-cost way to make unique art—probably under $5 for a project if you already have paints and alcohol at home.
Wipe Down Metal Surfaces
“Rubbing alcohol can be an effective cleaning agent for the metal surfaces in your yard, like your pool ladder,” says pool service and maintenance expert Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Cabana. Yamaguchi recommends diluting the rubbing alcohol with water, so that it’s a 1:1 ratio or contains slightly more rubbing alcohol than water. Take a cloth and rub the solution onto the shiny metal surface, then let it dry. “This is great for high-touch metal surfaces like pool ladders not only because it’s quick and effective, but because it is a disinfectant, as well,” says Yamaguchi.
I used this on my patio furniture’s metal frames, and they’ve never looked shinier. The alcohol cuts through oxidation and grime, leaving a polished finish. A pro tip: wipe in one direction to avoid streaks, and use a microfiber cloth for best results. This method is not only effective but also eco-friendly, reducing the need for harsh chemical polishes that can cost $15 or more per can.
Make Windows Shine
Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa, a home cleaning service in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, loves cleaning with cost-effective rubbing alcohol. “It’s eco-friendly and safe for people who are sensitive to other products,” he says. Knoll likes to add about 10 percent of rubbing alcohol to a bottle of regular glass cleaner. “It helps the cleaner dry faster and keeps windows from getting streaky,” he says. (Be sure to test on a small area first in case your windows have a tint or film that can be damaged.)
I tried Knoll’s trick on my bathroom mirror, and it’s now streak-free perfection! The alcohol speeds up evaporation, which prevents water spots—super handy in humid climates. I also like that it’s gentler on my allergies compared to ammonia-based cleaners. A bottle of glass cleaner mixed with rubbing alcohol costs about $4 total and lasts for dozens of cleanings, making it a wallet-friendly choice.
Sanitize Gardening Tools
If the blades on your shears aren’t clean, you run the risk of damaging your plant when you prune it. Infections or diseases might spread, warns gardening and yard expert Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love. After each use, Corcoran says to make wiping your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol a habit. This will help sanitize them for your next gardening sesh.
I started doing this after noticing some of my plants weren’t thriving post-pruning, and it’s made a big difference. Rubbing alcohol kills fungi and bacteria that can transfer between plants, acting as a quick disinfectant. I keep a small rag soaked in a 70% alcohol solution in my gardening kit for convenience. This habit costs next to nothing—maybe a few cents per use—and helps protect your plants from costly diseases.
Rubbing Alcohol Safety
Rubbing alcohol can damage some surfaces and irritate skin, so use with caution. “Generally, rubbing alcohol can damage clear acrylic containers, leather, and other delicate fabrics,” warns Saltman, “as well as many stone surfaces such as marble and granite.” Keep in mind that rubbing alcohol is flammable, so do not use it near open flames and other obvious heat sources, and provide ventilation to offset its strong scent. Saltman also suggests wearing gloves to prevent skin irritation, and to always test a small area before using rubbing alcohol on a new item or surface.
I learned the hard way that rubbing alcohol can dull certain finishes—yep, I slightly faded a leather couch armrest! Always dilute it for delicate surfaces and keep a window open to avoid that dizzying smell. Gloves are a must if you’ve got sensitive skin like me. A small bottle of rubbing alcohol, around $2, goes a long way, but store it safely away from heat sources to avoid any fire risks.
