Isopropyl Alcohol As a Homemade Floor Cleaner
Table of Contents
You probably have isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, in your medicine cabinet to disinfect scrapes and cuts and to sterilize tweezers for taking out splinters. In addition to being a good, inexpensive disinfectant, isopropyl alcohol is also useful for removing marks and stains on floors.
Vinyl Flooring
On vinyl flooring, dampen a clean white cloth with isopropyl alcohol and rub out the stain. Isopropyl alcohol works on lipstick, hair dye and black heel marks.
Tough Stains
Isopropryl alcohol may also remove tougher stains like ink, shoe polish and driveway sealer. Dampen a clean white cloth and rub. To remove dried paint from vinyl flooring, scrape off the excess paint first.
Wood Floors
On wood floors, use isopropyl alcohol to remove black heel marks. Use sparingly and make sure to dry the area. Isopropyl alcohol left standing on a wood floor will dull the finish.
Other Household Cleaning Uses
You can also use isopropyl alcohol to remove grease and grime from household fixtures, telephone handsets and other high-use items in the home. Mixed 50 percent with water, it makes a great window cleaner, leaving a streak-free shine.
Dangers
Isopropyl alcohol is extremely flammable and highly toxic. Take care when using it and keep it away from children.
References
Writer Bio
Tanya Lee is a professional writer with more than 30 years experience. She has published extensively in the field of education and as a journalist, the latter in such publications as "High Country News" and "News from Indian Country." Lee holds a M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Photo Credits
- texture of wooden floor image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
- texture of wooden floor image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
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