You can use Isopropyl Alcohol for cleaning many things at home. Here are some examples and ways to use it safely.
Because a 70% strength solution of Isopropyl Alcohol dries so quickly, it has several great uses.
- As a cleaning and deodorizing solution with antibacterial properties, keep a spray bottle in a cupboard away from children: Mix 70% Isopropyl Alcohol with a 1 to 2 ratio of water. The water in the solution opens up bacteria to absorb the alcohol, which then kills the bacteria. This produces less vapor and odor. ria. As a cleaner, it eliminates oils and leaves nearly no traces.
~ - Use on the skin to prevent infection from minor surface wounds like scraped knees, cuts, or before and after pulling out a small splinter, etc. Dab a little full strength onto a cotton ball and apply it to the wound. Or use a little from a spray bottle, being careful not to breathe it in too much. Although there are no reports of humans dying of vapors, you should still be careful and always use Rubbing Alcohol in a well-ventilated area.
~ - Use a small amount as an additive to laundry detergent to disinfect. Wait for the item to dry before using it. ens. You can also help freshen up mattresses, pillows, and bedding by spraying them with a 70/30 water solution. Use Isopropyl Alcohol in a well-ventilated space and leave the room while the items are drying.
~ - Use as a small-parts cleaner and grease solvent. Isopropyl Alcohol is used commercially in many things such as car windshield washers and deicers. Many salons use Isopropyl Alcohol to clean their clients’ fingernaGreat for use with Nail Polish. In a special Shellac Nail finish, salons also use it. Please Note: that Shellac finishes cannot be done at home as they require specialized curing equipment. Since traditional nail polish is more toxic than we realized, there are new alternatives.
~ - Isopropyl Alcohol also referred to as Rubbing alcohol, is used as the base ingredient in hand sanitizers.
~ - Isopropyl alcohol is also used as a water-drying agent to prevent otitis externa or “swimmer’s ear,” as it is commonly referred to. To do this, use a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol before and after swimming. Using an eyedropper just outside the ear and put 5 milliliters or about a teaspoon full of the solution into each ear, tip your head and let it drain back out. Wipe excess off with a dry towel. This helps promote drying and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause “swimmer’s ear.” Please Note: Do this only if you are sure you do not have a punctured eardrum.
~ - Use to eliminate Musty Mildew Odors at Home or Cottage caused by dampness: This mixture helps remove musty odors. In a spray bottle, pour half and half vinegar and Isopropyl Alcohol. Spray on affected cloth furniture, clothing, etc. The vinegar helps kill the mildew bacteria, and the isopropyl alcohol also helps and makes for quicker drying. Spray in a well-ventilated room, outdoors, or leave the room for a couple of hours after spraying to avoid breathing in.
~ - Special note: When moving into a cottage after being left empty for even a few weeks, it can have a mildewy odor. I found that the best and fastest way to clear it was to use an electric kettle filled with vinegar and a little water. Plug it in and let it come to a boil in the various rooms. You need to do this repeatedly to fill the room with steam. The vinegar’s steam will kill the mildew. It only takes a few days of doing this two or three times a day to rid the place of the odor. You can also use vinegar in your cleaning solutions to help. Often mildew settles into fabrics left in a damp area. Launder with a cup of vinegar, and this helps.
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You can use Isopropyl Alcohol as a Carrier for Fragrant Oils.
Isopropyl Alcohol kills germs. It is good for some cleaning jobs around the house. Sometimes after you vacuum your mattresses during spring cleaning, you also want to freshen them up a bit. You can add some natural oils, such as Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lavenandnd/or Peppermint, to a spray bottle that has Isopropyl Alcohol in it as a carrier. This helps freshen up pillows and more. Use sparingly as a little goes a long way.
Spray Bottle Recipe for Fabric Treatment: Place 1 cup of Isopropyl Alcohol into a medium size spray bottle that can be shut off when not in use so that the alcohol does not evaporate between uses. Add about ten or twelve drops of your favorite scent for essential oil. Shake. You can mix the oils to create an interesting combination. Spray the solution lightly on the surface of the fabric you would like to disinfect. It is best to leave the room once you have sprayed until the area is dry so as not to breathe in the Isopropyl Alcohol too much. Don’t overspray until things are wet; this is just a re-fresh. There is no substitute for laundering or dry cleaning of items.
The author receives no compensation for recommending the above product.
Talking About Laundry… Here is a bonus clue to keep your dishcloths, tea towels, and other things smelling fresh and clean.
For years I did everything to try to keep dishcloths, in particular, from having an odor. I washed them sometimes daily. I tried many things until one day, I used Free and Clear Lysol Laundry Sanitizer along with my regular unscented laundry soap. That did it.
No more foul dishcloth smell! No more bacteria causing odor on the dishcloths. And no artificial perfumes! Now I feel confident to wipe down kitchen counters and know they are really clean.
Pest Control of Mice – Clean the area thoroughly where you may have seen droppings. You can spray a solution of six drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil and six drops of Peppermint Essential Oil mixed with the Isopropyl Alcohol along this area once it is dry. Mice do not like the smell. Mice use the same avenues to travel to their dens repeatedly, laying down their own scent so they can find their way. This solution destroys their odor, so they can’t return the same way. This solution acts as a disinfectant and deodorizer. Unfortunately, it does not remove mice permanently; you must use other methods to rid your home of mice. One is too many. If you see one, go into action, as there could be more!
Properties and Safety Concerns
Isopropyl Alcohol is a volatile, flammable liquid with a clear and colorless appearance. It has a pungent odor and produces vapors due to its fast drying properties.
- Be sure to use these safety tips.
- Do not use Isopropyl Alcohol on deep wounds.
- Do not ingest or apply it to organs or openings in the body’s lower extremities.
- Not to be taken internally. Do not drink, eat or ingest.
- Use in a well-ventilated area.
- Since Isopropyl Alcohol is sold in containers, you must pour it to mix or use it. Therefore, do not handle it in the kitchen or near food sources to eliminate the risk of ingesting it. The best place for handling is in the laundry room or bathroom.
