A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home With Rubbing Alcohol
Looking for a powerful, affordable, and multi-purpose cleaner that’s probably already in your medicine cabinet? Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a household staple that does far more than disinfect cuts. From sanitizing high-touch surfaces to freshening upholstery, this versatile liquid can tackle dirt, germs, and grime throughout your entire home. In this post, I’m sharing practical and effective ways to use rubbing alcohol to clean, disinfect, and refresh your space. Let’s move on with – How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home With Rubbing Alcohol
- Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful germ-fighter. Use a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe down:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Remote controls
- Cell phones and tablets
- Keyboards and computer mice
For electronics, spray alcohol onto a microfiber cloth—never directly onto the device.
- Clean Glass and Mirrors
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle for a streak-free glass cleaner. Spray and wipe using a lint-free cloth or newspaper to get that sparkling finish. It dries quickly, which means no streaks!
Bonus Tip: Add a splash of white vinegar for extra shine and grime-fighting power.
- Remove Sticky Residue
Whether it’s leftover sticker gunk or tape marks, rubbing alcohol dissolves adhesives easily. Apply it directly to the sticky area with a paper towel or cotton ball, let it sit for a moment, then wipe clean.
- Sanitize Bathroom Fixtures
Spray bathroom sinks, toilet handles, faucets, and showerheads with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and leave surfaces gleaming. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.
- Freshen and Deodorize Shoes
Spray rubbing alcohol inside shoes to kill odor-causing bacteria. It’s perfect for gym shoes or sandals—just be sure to let them dry thoroughly before wearing them again.
- Disinfect Makeup Tools
Keep your beauty tools clean and safe by disinfecting:
- Tweezers
- Eyelash curlers
- Nail clippers
Simply wipe with alcohol or dip them for a few seconds and let air dry.
- Polish Stainless Steel
For smudge-free stainless steel, dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down:
- Kitchen appliances
- Faucets
- Cabinet handles
It removes fingerprints and leaves a clean, shiny finish.
- DIY Disinfecting Spray
Make your own all-purpose disinfectant by mixing:
- 2 parts rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 1 part water
- Optional: Add 10 drops of essential oil like lemon, lavender, or tea tree
Use this spray to disinfect countertops, doorknobs, and other non-porous surfaces.
- Clean Whiteboards and Dry-Erase Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol removes ghost marks and ink buildup from whiteboards. Simply apply with a soft cloth to restore your board to like-new condition.
- Freshen Upholstery and Fabric
Lightly mist sofas, car seats, or fabric headboards with rubbing alcohol to deodorize and kill surface bacteria. Be sure to spot-test first in an inconspicuous area to prevent discoloration.
Safety Tips When Using Rubbing Alcohol
- Always use in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep away from heat or open flame—it’s highly flammable.
- Avoid using it on certain surfaces, such as painted or varnished wood, without testing first.
- Store it out of reach of children and pets.
Final Thoughts
Rubbing alcohol is one of those unsung heroes in your cleaning arsenal. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and incredibly effective at keeping your home clean and germ-free. Whether you’re tackling sticky messes, shining up surfaces, or making your own DIY disinfectant, this simple solution gets the job done. So go ahead—reach into your cabinet and put that bottle to work!
Hugs & Blessings,
Very informative post with lots of good ideas. Pinned for future reference!
Thank you Carol.