Household Cleaning with Isopropyl Alcohol

If you're looking for a cleaning product that punches well above its weight, isopropyl alcohol might be your new best friend. This unassuming liquid tackles an impressive range of household cleaning challenges—from streak-free glass to stubborn sticker residue. Best of all, it's affordable, readily available, and often outperforms expensive specialised cleaners. Let's explore how to harness the cleaning power of IPA throughout your home.

Why IPA Works So Well

Isopropyl alcohol is effective as a household cleaner for several reasons:

• Dissolves oils and grease: IPA breaks down the oils from fingerprints, cooking splatter, and other greasy residues
• Evaporates quickly: Leaves surfaces dry with minimal wiping, reducing streaks
• Disinfects: Kills many common household bacteria and viruses (at 70% concentration)
• Safe on most surfaces: Won't damage glass, stainless steel, tile, or most plastics
• No harsh residue: Doesn't leave behind sticky or filmy deposits

Basic Supplies

Before diving into specific uses, gather these items:

• 70% and/or 99% isopropyl alcohol
• Spray bottles (clean, empty)
• Microfibre cloths
• Cotton swabs for detail work
• Soft-bristled brush

Room-by-Room Guide

Kitchen

The kitchen offers numerous opportunities to put IPA to work:

Stainless Steel Appliances: Fingerprints and smudges on your refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can be frustrating. Spray a small amount of IPA onto a microfibre cloth and wipe in the direction of the steel's grain. The alcohol dissolves oils and evaporates quickly, leaving a streak-free shine.

Countertops: For non-porous surfaces like granite, quartz, or laminate, 70% IPA provides both cleaning and light disinfection. Spray, let sit for 30 seconds, then wipe dry. Avoid on marble or other porous natural stones, as alcohol can dull the finish over time.

Cooktop: Let IPA work on dried-on food and grease. Spray liberally, let sit for a minute, then wipe away. For stubborn spots, repeat or use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.

Sink and Taps: IPA cuts through water spots and soap scum on stainless steel sinks and chrome fixtures. It also provides light disinfection for these high-touch areas.

Bathroom

The bathroom is where IPA's disinfecting properties really shine:

Mirrors: For truly streak-free mirrors, 99% IPA is unbeatable. Spray lightly and wipe with a clean microfibre cloth. The rapid evaporation prevents streaking.

Fixtures and Taps: Chrome and stainless fixtures gleam after an IPA wipe-down. The alcohol removes water spots, soap residue, and fingerprints.

Toilet Handle: As a high-touch surface, the toilet handle benefits from regular disinfection. Wipe with 70% IPA to kill germs.

Countertops and Surfaces: Most bathroom countertops (except marble and porous stone) clean beautifully with IPA.

Living Areas

Glass and Windows: Mix equal parts 70% IPA and water in a spray bottle for an economical glass cleaner. For exterior windows or heavily soiled glass, use undiluted 99% IPA for best results.

Remote Controls: These oft-overlooked items harbour significant bacteria. Remove batteries, then wipe down with 70% IPA on a cotton pad. Use cotton swabs dipped in IPA for buttons and crevices.

Light Switches: Another high-touch surface that benefits from regular IPA cleaning. Wipe with 70% IPA for disinfection.

Leather Furniture: Use with caution. IPA can dry out leather and remove dyes. If you must clean leather, test in an inconspicuous area first, use a very diluted solution, and follow immediately with leather conditioner.

Home Office

Computer Screens: Use a 50/50 mix of 99% IPA and distilled water. Apply to a microfibre cloth (never spray directly on screens), then gently wipe. Check manufacturer guidelines—some screens have coatings that may be sensitive to alcohol.

Keyboards: Disconnect first, then wipe keys with IPA-dampened cloth. Use cotton swabs for between keys. Allow to dry completely before reconnecting.

Phone and Tablet: Wipe down with diluted IPA (50/50 with distilled water). Clean ports and speakers carefully with a dry cotton swab.

Desk Surface: Most desk materials clean well with IPA. Test first on a hidden area for painted or lacquered surfaces.

Specialty Cleaning Tasks

Removing Sticker Residue

IPA excels at dissolving the adhesive left behind when stickers or tape are removed. Apply undiluted 99% IPA to the residue, let sit for 1-2 minutes, then rub with a cloth. Repeat as needed for stubborn adhesive. This works on glass, plastic, metal, and most painted surfaces (test first).

Permanent Marker Removal

Permanent marker isn't so permanent when IPA is involved. Apply 99% IPA to the marked area and wipe. You may need to repeat several times. This works well on whiteboards, glass, plastic, and many hard surfaces.

Ink Stains on Hard Surfaces

IPA dissolves many types of ink. Apply, let sit briefly, then wipe away. Test first, as some surfaces may be damaged by prolonged alcohol exposure.

Deodorising Shoes

IPA can help kill odour-causing bacteria in shoes. Spray the interior with 70% IPA and allow to dry completely before wearing. This won't remove deeply embedded odours but helps with regular maintenance.

Surfaces to Avoid

While IPA is versatile, some surfaces don't react well:

• Painted or varnished wood: IPA can dissolve finishes, causing cloudiness or damage
• Shellac and lacquer: These finishes are alcohol-soluble
• Certain plastics: Acrylic (Perspex) and polystyrene can cloud or crack
• Rubber: Extended exposure can cause deterioration
• Marble and porous stone: Can cause dulling or etching
• Painted surfaces: Test first—some paints are sensitive
• Unsealed leather: Can dry out and discolour

DIY Cleaning Recipes

All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix in a spray bottle: 250ml water, 250ml 70% IPA, and a few drops of dish soap. Shake gently before use. Great for countertops, appliances, and general cleaning.

Glass Cleaner

Mix in a spray bottle: 250ml distilled water and 250ml 70% IPA. For extremely streak-free results, use 99% IPA without dilution.

Quick Disinfectant Spray

Use 70% IPA undiluted in a spray bottle. Spray surfaces, allow 30-60 seconds contact time, then wipe dry.

Safety Reminders

Even for household use, keep these safety points in mind:

• Ventilate well: Open windows when cleaning large areas
• No flames: Never use near open flames, candles, or gas appliances with pilot lights
• Store safely: Keep away from children and heat sources
• Don't mix: Never combine with bleach—this creates toxic chloroform gas
• Protect surfaces: Always test on hidden areas before cleaning sensitive materials

Cost Comparison

One of IPA's advantages is value. A litre of 99% IPA costs roughly $10-15 AUD from most suppliers. Consider what you'd pay for equivalent specialised products:

• Glass cleaner: $5-8 per 500ml
• Stainless steel cleaner: $8-12 per 400ml
• Adhesive remover: $10-15 per 200ml
• Electronics cleaner: $12-20 per 400ml

A single bottle of IPA can replace all of these while often delivering superior results.

Conclusion

Isopropyl alcohol deserves a spot in every home's cleaning arsenal. Its ability to tackle grease, kill germs, evaporate quickly, and leave surfaces spotless makes it remarkably versatile. Whether you're restoring shine to stainless steel, achieving streak-free windows, or removing stubborn sticker residue, IPA often outperforms dedicated products at a fraction of the cost.

Start with a bottle of 70% IPA for general cleaning and disinfection, and consider adding 99% for streak-free glass and precision tasks. With proper use and attention to surfaces that don't agree with alcohol, you'll find countless ways to put this workhorse cleaner to use throughout your home.