55 Uses of Rubbing Alcohol Or (IPA) In 2024

Rubbing Alcohol is a great solvent, but it’s also the go-to cleaner for any household. It is a versatile substance, capable of solving many problems and easing painful physical conditions. For many, rubbing alcohol is a household staple

Here are some cool uses of rubbing alcohol that will make your life easier in more ways than one!

1) IPA/Rubbing Alcohol as an Astringent

Can isopropyl alcohol be used as an Astringent?

Isopropyl alcohol contains properties that make it an effective astringent and can also be used in toners and tightening formulas. It is also useful because it makes skin look smoother and pores less visible.

Rubbing alcohol is known for being a quick-drying body cleanser and astringent that rids the skin of excess oil.

2) IPA For Evaporating Water From Ears

If you’ve got water in your ears from a pool, mix together 1/2 teaspoon rubbing alcohol and other half teaspoon white vinegar.

Pour or place the solution into your ear with a dropper while your head is to the side. Allow the solution to drain out for 10-12 minutes.

If you don’t have a hole in your eardrum due to a celebrity, rubbing alcohol may be used safely in your ears to prevent conditions such as swimmer’s ear

3) Acts as a Rub and Balm For Muscle Aches

Does isopropyl alcohol help sore muscles? Yes, Green Alcohol Is pretty effective for Muscle Aches.

Rubbing alcohols that companies manufacture for aching muscles contain essential oils such as wintergreen.

Some essential oils are added to help relieve pain or speed up muscle recovery.

Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used in the health sector, both to prevent needle puncture infections and to rub on muscle aches.

4) IPA Helps in Making Ice Packs

Can you use isopropyl alcohol to make an ice pack? Yes, You can make liquid gel ice packs with Rubbing Alcohol.

To make ice packs, all you need is a quart or gallon of plastic freezer bags, two cups of water, and one cup of rubbing alcohol.

Once you fill the freezer bag with the water and rubbing alcohol, get the air out of the bag and close it. Then, place it in another freezer bag and leave it in the freezer for an hour.

When you make an ice pack, use liquid alcohol. Rubbing alcohol has a freezing point between -26 and -58 degrees Fahrenheit. Which makes it effective for making an easy icepack.

5) IPA Eliminates Pet Ticks and Fleas

Does isopropyl alcohol kill ticks? Does isopropyl alcohol kill fleas?

Regardless of the type of alcohol, you should put it on a surface and drop fleas or ticks into the alcohol. Experts recommend this method for dissolving parasites in the strongest liquid possible.

A solution with a small percentage of alcohol kills fleas, ticks, bedbugs, weeds, and insects like mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and scale crawlers.

6) IPA/Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Mirrors

Is Rubbing Alcohol a good glass cleaner?

You can use rubbing alcohol to clean mirrors. Clean, dry cloths can be used to wipe the surface of any mirror.

Regardless of the type of alcohol, you should put it on a surface and drop fleas or ticks into the alcohol.

Experts recommend this method for dissolving parasites in the strongest liquid possible.

7) IPA/Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Blinds

With time-saving tools like rubbing alcohol, you can clean your blinds in a second.

There’s just no other way to put it – they’re dusty and a little dirty but easy to clean with this simple tool.

8) Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Dry Erase Board

Isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are effective ways to clean whiteboards.

They are especially useful at getting rid of ghosting caused by chemical build-up residue from whiteboard markers.

For best results, use 99% or 90% Concentration isopropyl alcohol.

9) Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Makeup Brushes

Spritz the bristles of your cleanser brush with rubbing alcohol until it’s not dry. Rubbing the bristles on a paper towel will in turn release all the makeup from the brushes.

10) IPA For Cleaning Wash Basin, Sinks, And Chrome Finish.

Can you clean the sink with isopropyl alcohol?

To clean dirty, stained sinks in Stainless steel, chrome, brass, or porcelain, spray some rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and rub. The alcohol not only cleans sinks but also refines the metal surface.

Vinegar, toothpaste, and of course rubbing alcohol are other household items that can remove spots, such as those caused by hard water.

11) Rubbing Alcohol For Deodorizing Sticky Shoes

Does Rubbing Alcohol remove odor from shoes? Yes, They Do Effectively.

To remove shoe polish from a cloth shoe, you can use a combination of rubbing alcohol and water.

For more sensitive materials like shoes made of leather or high heels, you’ll need to mix three parts of alcohol in one part of water and apply the dampened cloth to the entire shoe for fifteen minutes before removing the polish

12) Disinfecting Mouse, Keyboard Tech Gadgets

You can easily clean the keyboard with rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, and a lint-free cloth.

To disinfect your keyboard or mouse, you need a product specifically designed to kill germs.

The most effective method is to wipe down the area with an alcohol-based disinfectant that contains 60 percent ethanol or 70 percent isopropyl (rubbing alcohol).

13) Disinfecting Mobile Phone

Spraying a solution on a soft cloth and using it to clean the phone is an efficient way of preventing any bacteria or other contaminants by killing bacteria with 70% alcohol.

You shouldn’t apply too much moisture to the ports, or else you run the risk of corrosion.

14) IPA For Dissolving and Defrosting Frozen Car Windshield

Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe for windshields? Yes, IPA is safe and effective to Defrost windshields.

Tacit-bullets. For the best results, spray liquid isopropyl alcohol onto your car’s windshield and marvel at how complete the ice glaze melts instantly.

Alcohol has a low freezing point and thus it breaks up and melts the ice as soon as it contacts it. Maintain a Ratio of 1:3 for water fn 2:3 for IPA

15) Getting Rid Of Fruit Flies With Rubbing Alcohol

Can rubbing alcohol kill fruit flies? Will rubbing alcohol kill fly eggs? Yes, it’s effective in eliminating both

You can use a spray bottle full of alcohol to kill fruit flies. Not only will this rid your home of unwanted fruit flies, but the smell will keep them from coming back and will also solve the problem for good. Allow the area to dry before using it again.

You can use 91 Percent Concentration Rubbing Alcohol to spray on Flies eggs; Make sure the eggs are completely dry before putting them in this alcohol.

16) IPA/Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Metal Jewelry

Can you clean jewelry with IPA? Does isopropyl alcohol damage jewelry?

First, for cleaning Noble metals like Gold, you will need to dissolve a bowl of rubbing alcohol in water and then submerge your jewelry. This process leaves the jewelry clean and polished without the use of water or chemicals.

To clean Inferior or Mixed metals like copper or acrylic, use a gentle soap and water to dissolve dirt. Do not use rubbing alcohol as it causes fading and cracking or corrosion.

17) IPA Rubbing Alcohol Refreshing Sponges

As a means of disinfecting sponges, soaking them in rubbing alcohol is effective.

For Best Results, Soak a sponge or cloth in rubbing alcohol and let it sit for 10 minutes.

18) Rubbing Alcohol Removes Hairspray Built Ups

Does rubbing alcohol remove hairspray?

There is a high chance that you already have the perfect product to remove hairspray build-up somewhere in your house: more than 90 percent isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. In a spray bottle, rubbing alcohol can be used as an excellent disinfectant, a natural solvent, and as it is straight.

To dissolve the fine spray layer of hairspray, use 70% rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and wipe over mirrors.

19) Rubbing Alcohol For Creating A Homemade Disinfectant

Can rubbing alcohol be used as a disinfectant spray? What is the ratio of alcohol to water for disinfectant spray?

Spray your personal items with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and disinfect. To disinfect solid objects, mix up equal parts of distilled water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. If you have earrings or thermometers that are tough to clean, use a cotton pad soaked in the solution.

20) Rubbing Alcohol Removes Ink And Permanent Stains

Can rubbing alcohol remove ink stains? Does rubbing alcohol clean the Dissolve ink?

The only thing better than rubbing alcohol is rubbing alcohol with water. In addition to disinfecting, a little bit of rubbing alcohol removes the Sharpie stain completely.

How do you remove permanent ink stains?

Place the stained item face down on paper towels, soak with rubbing alcohol, take care to rub in ink from the paper towels, and replace them as you go. Rinse thoroughly and wash.

21) Removing Stickers and Glue Stains

Can I remove sticker residue with rubbing alcohol? Yes, You can use rubbing alcohol to remove glue stains?

If you want to know how to clean off the residue on a sticker, alcohol is an effective solvent that is safe for most surfaces. Vodka often works as a substitute. Using a paper towel or clean rag, wet with rubbing alcohol, lift-off, and work out the residue.

22) Cleaning Stainless Steel

What happens if you put alcohol on stainless steel? Does rubbing alcohol damage metal?

To remove fingerprints and keep your appliances streak-free, use rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth and go with the grain.

99% alcohol has many benefits, including being non-corrosive to metals or plastics and is excellent for any surface. Alcohol is also useful when manufacturing goods because it does not leave a residue that may cause complications in the process.

23) IPA Rubbing Alcohol Suppress Nausea Symptoms

Does rubbing alcohol make nausea go away? Well, IPA seems to be an effective anti-emetic. Compared with conventional anti-emetics, it is more effective in suppressing the symptoms of nausea.

Isopropyl Alcohol has the potential to be irritating, causes irritation of the nose, and is modestly toxic if swallowed.

24) Rubbing Alcohol Removes Water Spots And Fingerprints

Can rubbing alcohol remove fingerprints? Can rubbing alcohol remove water stains?

Wipe clean with a tissue or sponge to remove any gummy, sticky fingerprints. Pinch out excess moisture by rubbing with a dry cloth before buffing away the moisture. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol if there are unsteady parts of the switch that are difficult to reach.

There is a misconception that alcohol-based hand sanitizers can clean off fingerprints, but some chemicals sometimes found on the skin are actually found in bleaches and not in hand sanitizers.

25)Rubbing Alcohol Removs Dirt And Grime

Does rubbing alcohol get rid of dirt? Can I use isopropyl alcohol to clean hard surfaces?

One way to remove all traces of dirt without having to scrub is with rubbing alcohol. Apply a dab of oil and wipe away any dirt with it as needed.

26)Rubbing Alcohol Aids in Making Hand Sanitizer

Here is how to make DIY Hand Sanitizer Spray (alcohol-based) with these instructions.

• Put 75 mL of isopropyl alcohol,
• 5 mL witch hazel and 5 mL vitamin E oil into two 2-ounce spray bottles.
• Shake well before each use.

27) Rubbing Alcohol an Effective Degreaser for Kitchen

Can you use rubbing alcohol or IPA as a degreaser?

One of the many benefits of IPA is its efficiency when it comes to cutting grease residues and cleaning surfaces. This chemical cuts grease residue gently and is easily wiped off by a cloth or paper towel.

28) Rubbing Alcohol For Making Your Own Glass Cleaner

Does rubbing alcohol ruin glass?

The secret is mixing ingredients together to create a homemade glass cleaner that doesn’t leave streaks. Rubbing alcohol is a potent cleaner for cleaning dishes, but it’s too strong to be used on its own.

29) Rubbing Alcohol helps in Making Room Spray (Deoderizer)

To make this homemade air freshener with IPA

1. Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of water
2. Then add a little bit of witch hazel.
3. Next, add 5-7 drops of Lemon essential oil
4. After That 5-7 drops of Lavender essential oil to the bottle.
5. To use it, close the spray nozzle on the bottle.
6. Shake the bottle for about 2-3 seconds each time before spraying.

30) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Your Bathroom Tools

Will rubbing alcohol damage plastic?

The act of cleaning plastic with rubbing alcohol can actually damage acrylic and plastic, which means your item may now serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.

31) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Your Carpet

A solution with rubbing alcohol can help your carpets dry more quickly after they’ve been cleaned. Adding it to a carpet cleaner can help the harsh chemicals evaporate faster, which might otherwise leave dirt behind.

Here is How to make a Carpet Cleaner Solution

• Take 1 Cup of Luke Warm water.
• 1 Cup Rubbing Alcohol.
• 1 Cap Ful Lysol concentrate disinfectant.
• Mix with White vinegar.

32) Rubbing Alcohol Prevents Sweat Stains

Dealing with sweat stains can be difficult, but you can remove them by using common items like lemons, baking soda, and isopropyl alcohol.

33) Rubbing Alcohol Aids in Cleaning Laminate Floors

Will rubbing alcohol damage laminate floors?

Rubbing Alcohol is a Neutral PH and non-toxic ingredient that helps with your homemade cleaning tasks and the result is beautifully finished wood and laminate floors.

34) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Shades/Eyeglasses

The key to keeping your eye lenses clean is using 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, having a spray bottle, and using a microfiber cloth to clean your frames

35) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Microfiber Furniture

Leaving a mark on the fabric that a lot of liquid has been applied is not a common occurrence; however, always test the fabric first before applying traditional rubbing alcohol to entire objects. If you are cleaning an area where there is removability like a microfiber couch, test it in a non-visible area.

36) Rubbing Alcohol Kills Bed Pests and Infestation

Bed bugs are tough to deal with, but rubbing alcohol repels them and they hate its smell. Rubbing alcohol is a solution that effectively removes bed bugs from your space.

Alcohols – from isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) to ethanol (drinking alcohol) – are like a fingerprint on their molecules and have a property that allows them to pass right through an insect’s exoskeleton and drown the bug.

37) Rubbing Alcohol Removes Nail Polish

Soaking your nails in rubbing alcohol or applying it to nails with a soaked cotton ball may dissolve the polish. This method may take longer than using traditional nail polish remover, but it might just get the job done without you needing to run out to the store.

38) Rubbing Alcohol Fixes Broken Makeup

Put alcohol on the powder, with a small amount depending on the size of the product.

Mix them together. Put a paper towel over the top and then push down with your palm to dry up any excess alcohol.

39) Rubbing Alcohol Sanitizes Hands and Soothes Skin Irritation

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dry skin can make acne appear worse.

It can also increase the frequency and severity of acne breakouts.

Make sure you avoid using rubbing alcohol as a treatment for acne because it will be drying and irritating to your skin.

40) Rubbing Alcohol Helps Healing Cold Sores

Rubbing alcohol can help dry and heal a cold sore, but this treatment should only be used on the sore itself.

Pain relief alternatives such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide may help speed up the healing of a sore. If you don’t want to use these resources, topical or oral numbing medicines can provide relief.

41) Rubbing Alcohol Kills Head Lice

You need to leave rubbing alcohol and lice in contact for a long time before they will die.

Most of the time I recommend soaking a comb or brushing in alcohol for best results. However, isopropyl alcohol should not be applied directly to your scalp either.

42) Rubbing Alcohol Helps Removing Ear Wax

This is a moist area that can contribute to an abundance of bacteria as well as discomfort, so it’s important to take care of this bustling little complex. Use rubbing alcohol to clean out your earwax, and be sure not to put anything too hard or sharp in there if you feel the least bit of pain before removing the wax.

43) Rubbing Alcohol Sanitizes Makeup Brushes

Will rubbing alcohol ruin my makeup brushes?

Spray a layer of Rubbing alcohol onto the powder. Let it air dry and sprinkle with bristles and stalks of the brushes before cleaning and drying with a soft cotton pad.

44)Rubbing Alcohol Prevents Ring Around The Collar

To prevent your neck from worsening your shirt’s stain, use alcohol first to clean then dry it. Alcohol is refreshing as well!

45) Rubbing Alcohol Stretches Shoes

What does rubbing alcohol do to shoes? Will rubbing alcohol stretch leather?

To get rid of any odor-causing bacteria, spray the insoles of the shoes with rubbing alcohol. Leaving the shoes in the sun will help dry them out.

Alcohol loosens the leather fibers, allowing the boots while they expand without drying out. When moisture is added to these bags, the freezing and expanding of the water allows for the distortion of the leather. Place a wet cotton ball in a bag with alcohol.

46) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Your Phone

To disinfect your phone, turn it off, unplug it, and use a lint-free cloth or cotton ball with 70% rubbing alcohol, not the screen.

Never use bleach on a damp cloth and only clean with soap and water while leaving your phone’s waterproofing intact.

47) Rubbing Alcohol Soothes Body Aches

Rubbing alcohol, when applied to aching muscles and joints, can reduce pain and swelling.

People have used alcohol since ancient times to relieve pain.

Laboratory studies show that alcohol is fairly effective at relieving pain in humans and animals.

48) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Home Appliances

Isopropyl Alcohol 99% is ideal for industrial and consumer cleaning on electronics because its fast evaporation ensures that a dry surface and completely clean as it strips off dirt, residue, and grease.

Additionally, alcohol 99% is completely miscible in water, which allows you to use the product to clean or rinse products that can be closed with a lid (such as razors).

49) Rubbing Alcohol Cleans Granite Countertops

Rubbing alcohol can kill bacteria and viruses, is harmful to granite counters, and is gentle on them. It’s the ideal way to clean countertops.

50) Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning Electronics and CPU

Will rubbing alcohol damage a CPU? Is 70% isopropyl alcohol good for electronics?

It is best not to use over 90% of any isopropyl mixture in electronics projects like cleaning metal or plastic. If you have used too much, it can cause harm and mess up circuits and wires.

51) Rubbing Alcohol Cools and Disinfects Insect Bites

If you experience a bite soon after being bitten by a mosquito, it is important to put rubbing alcohol over the bite to relieve itching. Use only the tiniest amount of rubbing alcohol on the skin, and be careful not to irritate it further.

52) Rubbing Alcohol Prevents Infection In Pierced Ears

After piercing, you should apply rubbing alcohol or antibiotic ointment twice a day for a few days. Later on, these applications will prevent infection and speed up the healing process. The earring should be rotated every day to minimize pain and the risk of damage.

53) Rubbing Alcohol For Deodorizing Armpits and Body Odor

Can you use rubbing alcohol instead of deodorant?

Alcohol helps remove body odor by killing bacteria with its strong, yet gentle properties. Alcohol should not be used immediately after shaving because it can cause stinging.

54) Rubbing Alcohol For Disinfecting Clothes

Does rubbing alcohol ruin clothes?

A recommended technique for cleaning a piece of glass is to spray an alcohol-based solution onto the surface and then use a cloth, towel, or spray bottle to evenly massage the area. The rubbing alcohol should be at least 70% isopropanol

55) Rubbing Alcohol Clean Dry Erase Boards

You can use isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide to clean whiteboards, which will also help remove “ghosting” that is caused by residue left behind from markers. The two should be used together at a concentration of 99% or 90%.