When it comes to keeping the household spotless, few products can compare to the versatile isopropyl alcohol. It’s one of the must-haves at home if you want to replace the toxic chemicals and disinfectants. It’s also must-have for the additional uses you can make of it, including personal care applications, so you ought to have it not only in the first aid kit but for general use in the cupboard too.
Also known as rubbing alcohol and often used for cleaning wounds and cuts, this handy isopropyl solvent can be found in two different concentration levels: 70% and 99%. Out of these two, it’s the first that you’d be better off at home as a multipurpose solution that can disinfect successfully.
You may also choose from diluted products, like those of 50% but keep in mind they won’t be that effective. It’s best to buy the 70% solution and then you can make your own dilutions as you see fit, knowing you can use it with distilled water as much as with essential oils. If you’re in need of some ideas, here are a few you could try out.
A General Disinfectant
It’s no secret the isopropyl solvent is good at killing germs. Anywhere where there could be a build up of bacteria is the job for this product. Think of your smartphone, laptop, keyboard, earbuds, earphones, mouse, game controller, light switches, doorknobs, doorbell… these are some of the most exposed and dirtiest items and elements you can come to touch.
It’s essential to add a little sweep up with a cloth and some isopropyl among your list of cleaning chores at home, to keep everything fresh, germ-free, and spotless. As this product has high evaporation rate, there’s no fear it would damage your electronics. The key lies in not applying too much of it to soak the cloth, as just a bit is enough to do the trick. To be on the safe side, read your electronics’ manufacturer info.
Certain items you should avoid getting in contact with this alcohol include delicate pearls, and plastics which can undergo some chemical and colour changes. If you don’t want to be doing the laundry that often when it comes to items like the pillows and pillow cases, every now and then you can mix the isopropyl alcohol solvent with water (a 70/30 ratio) and a few drops of some essential oils in a spray bottle, creating your own cleaning product. This can also be used to freshen up your mattress.
In terms of personal use, it can be used to clean up wounds and cuts that aren’t not deep, piercings, and even tick bites, but to be on the safe side as the skin is sensitive and can be susceptible to irritations, it’s advisable to use just a bit on a clean cloth. With the tick bite, it’s first necessary to ensure you remove the tick properly with tweezers, then disinfect your skin and the tweezers.
This can give you the peace of mind there are no germs around before you apply the needed medication, for example. Keep in mind, in large quantities it could lead to alcohol poisoning. Never ingest this solvent, and never use it in a combination with bleach as it creates chloroform that can cause serious health problems!
Odour Remover
Let’s face it, no matter how often we clean, sometimes our homes can get smelly. This can especially be true when we leave our home empty for some time due to work or travel, so it can get a mildewy odour that could affect your quality of life in it. Not to worry as this too can easily be handled with the isopropyl solution.
You can create your own air freshener diluting your solvent in water and adding a few drops of your favourite essential oils, or you can also use vinegar with it to get rid of mildew bacteria. However, remember to avoid breathing in the fumes and getting health issues. After spraying, be sure to ventilate the rooms well, and leave them for a few hours.
Why rely on deodorisers full of toxins when you can leave it up to the isopropyl to give your smelly shoes some refreshment too. Use some of this alcohol in a spray bottle, and let it do its job in killing the bacteria causing the odour. You can do so outside, and leave the shoes in the sun so they can dry up properly. Be sure to do a bit of test on a small area first to see how your shoes’ materials would react to it, to be on the safe side. This is true every time you decide to use this solvent, as being cautious can prevent some unwanted damages.
Fabric Treatment
You know you can also buy isopropyl alcohol to use as a nice freshener for your fabrics as well. This could refer to laundry as much as cleaning cloths and towels, and even upholstery of your precious furniture. It’s great at removing stains, including oily ones, so after applying a bit on the desired area, dab with a sponge to get it off, and let dry. If needed, add some distilled water in case of water stains.