When you’re in a pinch, and hard cleaning is necessary, rubbing alcohol is more than necessary. Its prowess comes from the high alcohol content that this product contains. Because of that trait, it’s ideal for sanitizing grease and grime.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through many ways you can make use of it. For a gleaming home, you need to try it out. It’s perfect for floors, walls, upholstery, and even electronics. But, before we jump to the core of our subject for today let’s talk a little bit about safety precautions of rubbing alcohol.
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Rubbing Alcohol and Safety Precautions
While rubbing alcohol is a positive substance, it shouldn’t be used without taking good care of safety. For one, it is flammable. Secondly, it has a strong odor which can be suffocating in small areas. When used in large quantities it can be quite hazardous.
So, before you start using it, it is paramount that you ventilate the space where you plan on releasing it, and keep the windows open at all times. Furthermore, you must keep it as far as possible from open flames.
Fire hazards are the most frequent accidents related to rubbing alcohol. Last, but not least, you always need to have a face mask on and a pair of gloves when operating with this substance.
Gathering Essential Supplies
Rubbing alcohol for cleaning is a great cleaning tool, but it shouldn’t be used on its own. Instead, you should gather the necessary supplies, and start your operation from there. In addition to this substance, you need to have a clean spray bottle. This bottle needs to be filled with 70% alcohol.
The concentration can be even higher. When working with his liquid you always need to have old rugs, towels, or paper nearby to clean yourself. For different surfaces use different materials, but in essence microfiber cloths are an ideal choice. Do not start the work before you’ve accounted for everything you might need.
Source: bhg.com
Check Compatibility Issues
In essence, rubbing alcohol is safe for usage on many different surfaces. It can do wonders on glass, metal, wooden, and plastic materials. But not all materials react well to it. Some fabrics or acrylic paints are prone to damage when you use high concentrations of this alcohol. This is why, before using rubbing alcohol, it is necessary to test the surface where you want to apply it to avoid damage.
Dilute The Product
Not every % of alcohol will have the same effect on different materials. For the best possible outcome when cleaning, you need to dilute the rubbing alcohol – more or less – depending on the surface you’re cleaning, the materials used for cleaning, and the outcome you want to achieve.
When cleaning a nice surface, if you do now want to damage it is advisable to add water. On the other hand, when you want to kill grime and bacteria you need to use a stronger solution. When you’re mixing the solution ensure that you’re either doing it out on the open or in ventilated spaces. Also, make sure that you have contains that can keep both substances at bay when not in use.
Rubbing Alcohol for Mirrors and Glass
When it comes to mirrors and glass surfaces, you won’t find too many substances that can do a better job than rubbing alcohol. To have them shining like never before you first need to remove all the dust.
Once that’s done you can apply the rubbing alcohol. You can spray the alcohol directly onto the surface, or you can spray the cloth for cleaning. For the best outcome use microfiber rugs. In a few sharp moves, the alcohol will evaporate, and you’ll have surfaces cleaner than ever.
Source: pristinehome.com.au
Disinfection Surfaces
As we said, rubbing alcohol is ideal for disinfecting surfaces all over your home, office, or any other space. For locations on your property such as doorknobs, countertops, or light switches, it is a perfect substance for killing germs.
When applying it, you need to leave it at bay for at least one minute before you go over with the cloth of your selection. For routine daily, weekly, or bimonthly disinfection rubbing alcohol is your perfect choice.
Stain Removal With Rubbing Alcohol
We live in an age where no one is stained bulletproof. They can happen from ink, markers, or even makeup. We’re not even going to talk about sources of stains if you have kids. The best way to remove any stain when you want to use rubbing alcohol is to apply it directly on the stain.
When a stain is persistent, leave the alcohol lying for an extended period. Regardless of the stain’s stubbornness, you should never apply too much pressure on the surface as you could damage the material.
Refreshing Upholstery
The more time you have your pieces of upholstery lying around, the bigger the chances that they require refreshment. If you plan on doing this, the ideal choice is to use rubbing alcohol. Before you approach this task first test the upholstery reaction to alcohol in places that are not visible to the naked eye.
When the upholstery passes the test, you can apply larger quantities of alcohol. It is not only great for removing stains and giving the upholstery a new shine, but it also removes bacteria, germs, and of course those nasty odors. With rubbing alcohol, you can breathe new life into your old pieces of furniture and have refreshed sofas, chairs, and various other pieces of furniture covered in upholstery.
Source: marthastewart.com
Cleaning Jewelry
If you have gems, rings, or even diamonds that need their shine back, rubbing alcohol could do the trick. Gold and silver bode well with it, and the majority of gemstones too. What you need to know is to avoid applying it to pearls and opals. The best way to clean any piece of jewelry is by gently cleaning it with a soft toothbrush soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Bottom Line
If you paid attention to everything we said, now you have a new best in-home friend in rubbing alcohol. It is a versatile cleaning agent. So, the best time you have a cleaning task, look no further than this substance and do yourself a favor. Embrace it, and make it a household name within your properties.
