Many people have experienced the frustration of trying to remove a stubborn sticker or label from something in their home. The substance smeared across the surface makes it nearly impossible to get that adhesive off without damaging the item underneath.
If you’ve ever had this problem, you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that many different removers are on the market today. Alcohol is one of them, and it has many uses beyond its ability to get sticky substances off surfaces.
This article will discuss what rubbing alcohol is, why you should use it, and how it can help you clean your things without harming them. Keep reading to learn more about what rubbing alcohol can do for you!
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What is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is an alcohol-based solvent that can be used to clean just about anything. It is the same stuff found in most hotel bars – however, it is not the same as what you might be used to drinking at home.
Traditionally, it is made from fermented corn, but now it can be found in most medical and alcohol stores that sell cleaning supplies. There are several different types of rubbing alcohol, with varying levels of alcohol and additives.
The most popular is medical alcohol, composed of 85% alcohol, whereas others may have as little as 70% alcohol. All of them are safe to use but have varying levels of effectiveness.
Mineral oil-based rubbing alcohols are becoming increasingly popular. Although they are just as effective as the traditional variants, they are completely vegan and nontoxic. They are also cheaper than other types of alcohol and can be found in many supermarkets and drug stores.
Why Use Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is useful for several reasons, including: –
Disinfecting surfaces: If you want to disinfect something (like your cutting board or countertops), use rubbing alcohol as the solvent. It is much less likely to damage the item than harsher cleaners like bleach or abrasive cleaners like steel wool.
Cleaning: Just like disinfecting, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean almost anything. It is safe for most surfaces and is often less damaging to items than bleach or other harsher cleaners. It is also safe to use on fabrics like draperies, curtains, and couch cushions.
Removing stickers and labels: If you have stickers or labels on something that you don’t want to come off, you can safely use rubbing alcohol as a solvent to remove them quickly. It is nontoxic and won’t harm the item or surface underneath.
Wipe down appliances: You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean your stovetop or other appliances that produce steam or heat. You can use it as a spray or a wipe to sanitize the appliance.
Clean windows: Medical alcohol can be used to clean windows, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces. It is safe for most materials and is much less damaging than other cleaners like Windex or vinegar.
Read More: How To Remove Old Rear View Mirror Adhesive?
Does Rubbing Alcohol Remove Adhesive?
Some rubbing alcohol products claim to be able to remove stickers and labels, but the science isn’t there to back that up. Most of the time, rubbing alcohol smudges the sticker rather than removing it.
What is more likely to happen is that the sticker will be transferred to some other surface in your home, such as your fridge or countertop, rather than removed from the original item.
That said, you can safely use rubbing alcohol to remove some types of adhesive. If you have labels that use an adhesive, gently rub them off with a wet paper towel and then wipe down your item with rubbing alcohol to sanitize it.
How to Use Rubbing Alcohol?
Mineral oil-based rubbing alcohols are about as easy to use as the traditional kind and can be found in most households. They are cheaper, more environmentally friendly than the traditional type, and safe for most surfaces.
You can use rubbing alcohol by spraying it on the surface you want to clean, wiping down the area with a wet paper towel, or soaking a sponge in the solution and wiping down the item.
You can also use it as a spot cleaner by spraying it on the item and then wiping it with a clean cloth. It is important to note that alcohol can be harmful if ingested, so be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Also, remember that alcohol will evaporate quickly, so you should not leave it sitting on a surface for long periods.
Read More: How To Remove PopSocket Adhesive?
5 Things to Avoid When Using Rubbing Alcohol
Over-cleaning: One of the biggest dangers of using rubbing alcohol is over-cleaning. It is essential to clean your surfaces properly, but you do not want to use it as your only cleaner.
Not cleaning properly: It is also essential to clean your surfaces properly, but alcohol should not be used as a substitute for cleaning chemicals.
Toxic alcohol: Make sure that the rubbing alcohol you use is contaminant-free. All alcohol-based sprays will eventually evaporate and leave behind a residue, so make sure that you clean it up properly.
Overusing: Similar to not cleaning correctly, overusing rubbing alcohol can damage your items. It is best to use it as directed, and if you notice it damaging your things, you should consider using a different cleaner.
Last Opinion
As you can see, there are many different uses for rubbing alcohol, and it is an inexpensive and versatile substance that can help you clean your things.
Using it safely is essential, but it can help you get stubborn items clean and ready for reuse. We hope you enjoy using rubbing alcohol as much as we do!
If you have any additional questions, please contact customer service at any time. We’re here to help you with whatever cleaning questions you may have!
