Most people keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol in the medicine cabinet. Few, however, know what rubbing alcohol really is and how to use it.First, there are two types of rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl is commonly made with a concentration of 70 percent alcohol and bitter additives that make the toxic substance unattractive to drink. Ethyl alcohol is made of 97.5 to 100 percent denatured ethanol, which means it has been made unsafe to drink.ADVERTISEMENTRubbing alcohol is traditionally used as a disinfectant, but it has a number of benefits that you may never have considered. Here are 11 health benefits of rubbing alcohol:
1. Eliminate ticks
The key with ticks is to remove them as soon as possible.Dabbing a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, and rubbing it around the tick. When the area is well treated, use tweezers to remove the dangerous bug.
2. Soothe mosquito bites
To help soothe bites, dab the affected site with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
3. Kill bedbugs
If you’ve been plagued by bedbugs, fill a spray bottle with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Spritz the braiding of the mattress, headboard and box springs. It works because rubbing alcohol kills the bugs on contact. Spray frequently to eliminate the eggs. Be careful to make sure the alcohol has dried and the room is ventilated before sleeping on the bed after spraying.
4. Kill fruit flies
Attack fruit flies by spraying them with rubbing alcohol. Be sure your kitchen is well-ventilated when you do so.
5. Remove stains
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray directly on stains. This works on everything from ink to coffee.
6. Deodorize sneakersIf your feet stink, spray the insides of your shoes with rubbing alcohol. Allow the shoes to dry overnight. Your shoes will smell as good as new.
7. De-garlic handsUse a tub and rinse off your fingers with rubbing alcohol. Afterwards, make sure to rinse off your hands thoroughly with hand soap and water.
8. Treat sore muscles
If you have sore muscles, try massaging your legs with rubbing alcohol. This home remedy is also recommended for painful joints.
9. Sanitize hands
Instead of using store-bought hand sanitizer, make your own using 3 parts rubbing alcohol and 1 part aloe vera.
10. Heal cold sores
Shrink cold sores by dabbing alcohol directly on the sore.
11. Clean eyeglasses
Try spritzing eyeglasses with rubbing alcohol and wiping them with a soft cloth for a streak-free clean.