9 Benefits of Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a denatured alcohol, used almost in every household for cleaning wounds or doing massages. Containing up to 90% ethanol, the rest being distilled water, it has amazing disinfectant properties.

Rubbing alcohol is also the basic substance for commercial products for cleaning and is usually combined with other chemicals that don’t evaporate as fast.

You may not know this, but alcohol can have different uses. Here are a few!

• It calms mosquito bites

Insect bites can prove to be a challenge when we are faced with itchiness and swelling. Alcohol will disinfect the area, soothe the pain and help heal the skin.

Use: Massage the area with rubbing alcohol for one minute, then leave it to act for ten minutes. Then rinse with water and apply aloe vera gel.

• It’s a great product for cleaning windows

Before commercial products, people cleaned their windows with alcohol and newspapers. Rubbing alcohol will eliminate the dirt, evaporate, and leave the glass clear. It can also be used for laptops or keyboards.

Use: In a spray bottle add 2 cups of distilled water with one-quarter cup of rubbing alcohol and one-quarter cup of white vinegar and add one tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix them well and proceed to clean your house.

• It disinfects minor wounds

Rubbing alcohol will not only clean the wound and stop the bleeding but will also kill any bacteria and prevent infection.

Use: Dab the damaged area with a cotton ball on which you poured some rubbing alcohol and then moisturize the wound with some aloe vera gel.

• It relieves itchiness due to poison ivy

This plant can produce redness, swelling and itching on the affected area. Rubbing alcohol will alleviate the symptoms and cool the skin.

Use: Clean the affected area using a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. After it evaporates, wash it with soap and water and repeat the process a couple of times a day for up to 3 days.

• It destroys head lice

This common problem can be easily resolved with the aid of some rubbing alcohol, instead of different chemical treatments. The alcohol will eliminate both the lice, as well as the nits.

Use: Pour a small quantity of rubbing alcohol onto your scalp and massage it in your hair. Let it act for five or ten minutes, then apply conditioner. With a nit comb, brush away the lice and proceed to shampoo your hair. Repeat this treatment weekly for a few months.

• Reduces muscle pain

Rubbing alcohol can alleviate joint or muscle pain by massaging it onto the aching and tense muscles. This will decrease the inflammation and increase the blood flow.

Use: Massage a little rubbing alcohol onto the aching area, in circular motions for 5 or 10 minutes. Then wrap a warm cloth around the joint or muscle and leave it for half an hour. Repeat the process twice a day.

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove ink stains, prevent swimmer’s ear condition, prevent acne or treat toenail fungus. Keep in mind that this traditional disinfectant can help you deal with a lot of problems!