A bottle of rubbing alcohol is a cleaning powerhouse for everything from skin to stainless steel. The strong solvent is also one of your best defenses against messes that seem impossible to remove such as set-in gum, sticker residue, and even sap.
There are so many things you can clean with rubbing alcohol—70% isopropyl alcohol can be mixed with water to form a DIY cleaning agent—that it’s easy to assume this homemade cleaner can be used everywhere. However, there are some surfaces and material that don't respond well to alcohol, and it's important to keep these in mind as you clean around the house.
To keep your delicate or prized possessions in their best condition, steer clear of cleaning them with rubbing alcohol altogether. Before your next cleaning spree, familiarize yourself with the products that should never be cleaned with alcohol.
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1. Clear Acrylic Containers
Clear organizing containers are more popular than ever, especially in spaces like pantries and refrigerators. Often, these organizing products are made of acrylic, which is a durable and crystal-clear type of plastic. For this reason, you’ll want to skip cleaning them with rubbing alcohol as it can discolor or make them appear cloudy. It can also begin to break down the plastic and, over time, cause it to crack. If you’re using an acrylic bin to sort produce in the fridge, this leaves it susceptible to harboring bacteria.
It’s smart to avoid cleaning any plastic items with alcohol in general. Instead, dust acrylic and plastic with a soft, microfiber cloth or hand wash using mild soap, water, and a non-abrasive sponge. (And definitely don’t run them through the dishwasher as the high heat will warp them.) Dry items with a similar soft cloth to prevent scratching.
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2. Granite and Marble
Although rubbing alcohol can effectively sanitize most surfaces safely, you'll want to find another go-to cleaner for granite and marble. Both stone materials are porous, which makes them vulnerable to the harsh effects of alcohol. Not only can rubbing alcohol alter the color of your granite and marble, it will eventually erode whatever sealer may have been applied to protect it. This could result in visible stains, scratches, and unsightly marks on your gorgeous granite or marble countertops.
While it won’t hurt to apply diluted rubbing alcohol to the occasional stain, the better solution is to use a product created specifically for cleaning granite or marble (preferably one that is pH neutral). For daily upkeep, simply combine dish soap with water and wipe surfaces down with a soft cloth or sponge.
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3. Wood Pieces or Furniture
Whether you're cleaning a handmade family heirloom or brand new wood coffee table, rubbing alcohol should never be used to clean wood. The substance will strip away the color of the finish and eventually cause the wood to split. So, not only will your wood pieces be visibly stained, you’ll also need to watch out for splinters.
There are multiple safe methods to clean wood furniture, surfaces, and floors. Like granite and marble, you can choose to use a cleaner that’s formulated specially for the material or, even easier, stick to the basics of soap and water. Note that you can use denatured alcohol—which is different from isopropyl alcohol—to remove stains from hardwood floors.
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4. Painted Surfaces
Furniture, walls, or anything else that is painted or finished with lacquer, shellac, or varnish, won’t respond well to rubbing alcohol. Left on the surface for too long, the alcohol will begin to eat away at the paint or finish, leaving you with an uneven coat of color.
The one exception is that rubbing alcohol can help prep walls by removing dirt and oil, if you're preparing for a fresh paint job. Otherwise, you’re better off cleaning painted surfaces with a mild soapy water solution and touching up with a fresh coat as needed. Stubborn stains can be addressed with a paint-safe cleaner, such as a degreaser.
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5. Flammable Surfaces
Rubbing alcohol is a highly flammable substance, so you should never use it to clean flammable surfaces, or areas that are exposed to open flames (such as a fireplace). It's also a smart idea to steer clear of surfaces that routinely get hot. A gas stove top, for example, is unsafe to wipe with alcohol even when the burners are turned off.
Instead, clean stove tops with an all-purpose product that’s deemed safe for the specific appliance, using a sponge to gently lift stuck-on food. Scrub outdoor grills after a backyard BBQ with soapy water and a scouring pad. Even if you’re not tempted to use rubbing alcohol, still make sure to wait until all surfaces have completely cooled to the touch before beginning your cleaning session.
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6. Rubber
Cleaning rubber with alcohol from time to time shouldn’t be an issue, especially if you’re attempting to work out a persistent stain. But if you make a habit of using it, it will eventually cause rubber to deteriorate. So for day-to-day maintenance, it's best to stick with an alcohol-free cleaning solution.
For the most part, an all-purpose commercial cleaner or soapy water will do the trick to get rubber clean. Items such as car tires, which are exposed to a lot of dirt on a daily basis, can be addressed with a cleaner or degreaser that’s designed for them.
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7. Leather
Applying alcohol to leather items will shorten its lifespan by drying out and degrading the material. So whether you're cleaning leather clothing, bags, shoes, accessories, or furniture, resist cleaning any of them with rubbing alcohol to protect your investments.
The best thing you can do for your leather goods is to use a leather cleaner and conditioner that’s approved by the manufacturer of the specific item. Something that gets a lot of wear and tear, like shoes (both real and faux leather) can be cleaned with some soap and a toothbrush or melamine sponge. Spills on leather furniture should immediately be dabbed with a dry cloth and gone over with a slightly dampened one if needed.
8. Delicate Fabrics
Leather isn’t the only fabric that you be wary of when it comes to using rubbing alcohol. It can be used to spot-treat stains on durable clothing items such as denim, as well as most carpets and upholstery. But refrain from applying alcohol to synthetic or more sensitive materials like rayon, silk, and wool, because alcohol can shrink, discolor, and wear down the fibers of these fabrics.
Ideally, you should always follow the laundry tag’s guide to removing stains and washing so you can preserve articles for as long as possible. If you’re uncertain, it’s never a bad idea to test out an inconspicuous spot on the fabric first before committing to a cleaner.
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9. Delicate Jewelry
Rubbing alcohol makes for an effective, yet gentle, cleaner that can be used on most types of jewelry. However, fragile pieces consisting of pearls or opals should never be touched with alcohol since the solution can easily corrode their coatings. Be aware that most costume jewelry also doesn’t hold up well to contact with rubbing alcohol.
Fortunately, these gems are still incredibly simple to clean. More than likely, all you need to do from time to time is softly wipe away oils, dust, and debris with a lint-free cloth. For a deeper clean, wash with a mild detergent and water before laying flat to air dry. There are plenty of other ways to clean jewelry, such as with glass cleaner, baking soda, or even plain hot water.
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10. Contact Lenses and Glasses
The danger of cleaning your contact lenses with rubbing alcohol likely seems self-explanatory. Since you’re placing them directly on your cornea, they’ll cause burning and possibly serious vision damage in the long run. (Note: If you accidentally get rubbing alcohol in your eyes, immediately flush it out with water.) However, since the lenses of eyeglasses and sunglasses don’t touch your eyes, rubbing alcohol should be safe to use to clean them. Right? Well, that’s where it gets a little muddled. Some optometrists give the green light, while others say to pump the brakes.
Depending on how delicate your frames are, alcohol can strip their finish. And while the main ingredient in most commercial lens cleaners is isopropyl alcohol, it’s usually a lower percentage than the standard 70%. So, if you’d like to make your own glass lens cleaner, dilute it down to at least 50% rubbing alcohol, mix it with 50% water, and add a dash of Dawn dish soap for a streak-free shine. As far as cleaning your contacts, the only way to know they’re fully sterilized is to use a dedicated contact lens solution.
11. Some Electronics
Electronics are generally safe to clean with rubbing alcohol, so long as you never directly spray your devices with it and are careful not to get it in any openings. It’s important to regularly wipe down your most handled electronics, such as your phone and keyboard, but overusing alcohol can cause protective layers to wear away. For that reason, alcohol should only be used to deep clean or sanitize electronics, not for daily maintenance.
Your best course of action is to take turns carefully cleaning electronics with rubbing alcohol, compressed air, microfiber cloths, and, yes, even coffee filters.
