How to Use Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a versatile item to have in your first aid kit. Not only does it have health applications in medicine, but can also be used in various ways around the house. Inexpensive and easy to obtain, every family should have a bottle of rubbing alcohol in their medicine cabinet. Here are some great, everyday ways to use rubbing alcohol.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Clean cuts or scrapes with a small cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a natural antibacterial cleansing agent, so you'll have less risk of infection when your cut or scrap is cleaned well.

2. Use rubbing alcohol to stop the itch from a mosquito bite. Simply dab on the affected area, and the rubbing alcohol will dry out the mosquito bite so it no longer itches.

3. Sanitize items around your home with rubbing alcohol on a dusting cloth. No need to buy pricey antibacterial sprays--rubbing alcohol kills germs on hard surfaces such as telephones, TV remotes, door handles or any other item your family touches frequently.

4. Remove sticky price tags and bar code labels from items when you get home from the store by rubbing gently with a cloth dowsed with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol removes the stubborn glue from the sticker, causing it to lift off easily.

5. Make an ice pack for your sore joints by putting one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water in a small plastic bag in the freezer. The rubbing alcohol will stop the water from freezing completely, and instead leave you with a ice pack that forms right to your knee, wrist or whatever is aching.

References

• Reader's Digest