10 Surprising Uses for Isopropyl Alcohol Around the Home

Isopropyl Alcohol: Your Home's Secret Weapon

Most people keep a bottle of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in the medicine cabinet and forget about it. But this humble liquid is one of the most versatile cleaning products you can own. From removing stubborn stains to sanitising everyday items, IPA can tackle jobs that other cleaners simply can't. Here are 10 surprising ways to put isopropyl alcohol to work around your home.

1. Clean Your Phone Screen (Without Damaging It)

Your smartphone goes everywhere with you — and it picks up bacteria, fingerprints, and grime along the way. Studies show that mobile phones can harbour more germs than a toilet seat. To clean yours safely:

• Spray a small amount of Kitchova 70% IPA 50ml Spray onto a Kitchova Microfibre Cloth.
• Gently wipe the screen and back of the phone.
• Never spray directly onto the phone — always apply to the cloth first.

The 70% concentration is ideal here: it disinfects effectively without evaporating too quickly to do the job.

2. Remove Sticky Label Residue

We've all been there — you peel off a price tag or label, and it leaves behind a sticky, gooey mess. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves adhesive residue effortlessly:

• Apply Kitchova 100% IPA Spray directly to the residue.
• Let it sit for 30 seconds.
• Wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.

The 100% concentration works best here because its superior solvent properties break down adhesives faster than diluted versions.

3. Clean Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes accumulate product buildup, oils, and bacteria over time. IPA cuts through all of it:

• Pour a small amount of Kitchova 70% IPA into a shallow dish.
• Swirl your brush bristles in the solution for 10–15 seconds.
• Rinse with warm water and reshape the bristles.
• Allow to dry naturally on a clean towel.

This method is faster than soap and water, and the alcohol kills bacteria that can cause skin breakouts.

4. Disinfect Kitchen Benchtops

Kitchen surfaces are prime territory for bacteria, especially after handling raw meat or poultry. IPA is an excellent benchtop sanitiser:

• Spray your benchtop generously with Kitchova 70% IPA 250ml Spray.
• Allow the surface to remain wet for at least 30 seconds.
• Wipe clean with a Kitchova Microfibre Cloth.

Unlike many commercial kitchen sprays, IPA leaves no chemical residue or fragrance — just a clean, sanitised surface.

5. Clean Glasses and Sunglasses

Smudgy lenses are annoying, and standard glass cleaners often leave streaks. IPA gives you a crystal-clear finish:

• Spray a small amount of 70% IPA onto both sides of each lens.
• Polish with a clean microfibre cloth using circular motions.
• Enjoy streak-free, sparkling lenses.

This works brilliantly on prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses. Just avoid using it on lenses with special anti-reflective coatings without checking the manufacturer's recommendations first.

6. Remove Ink Stains from Fabric

A pen leak in your pocket can ruin a good shirt — unless you have IPA on hand. Isopropyl alcohol is one of the best solvents for breaking down ink:

• Place a clean cloth or paper towel underneath the stain.
• Dab the ink stain with a cloth soaked in Kitchova 70% IPA.
• Blot (don't rub) until the ink transfers to your cloth.
• Repeat as needed, then wash the garment normally.

Act quickly for best results — fresh ink stains respond much better than dried ones.

7. Clean 3D Printer Beds

If you're into 3D printing, you know that a clean build plate is essential for proper adhesion. IPA is the go-to solution for 3D printing enthusiasts:

• Wipe your print bed with Kitchova 100% IPA before each print.
• Use a lint-free microfibre cloth for best results.
• This removes fingerprint oils and residue that prevent filament from sticking.

The 100% concentration is preferred here because it evaporates completely without leaving any moisture on the build surface.

8. First Aid Antiseptic

IPA has been a medicine cabinet staple for generations, and for good reason. It's an effective antiseptic for minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites:

• Use 70% IPA to clean the area around a minor wound.
• Apply with a clean cotton pad or spray lightly from the Kitchova 50ml Spray.
• Allow to air dry before applying a bandage.

Important: While IPA is useful for cleaning around wounds, deep or serious wounds should always be treated by a healthcare professional. The 50ml spray is the perfect size to keep in your first aid kit.

9. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel fridges, ovens, and dishwashers look fantastic — until they're covered in fingerprints. IPA is brilliant for restoring that showroom shine:

• Spray Kitchova 70% IPA onto a microfibre cloth.
• Wipe in the direction of the stainless steel grain.
• Buff with a dry section of the cloth for a streak-free finish.

This method works better than most dedicated stainless steel cleaners and costs a fraction of the price.

10. Remove Deodorant Stains from Clothing

Those white marks on your dark shirts? IPA can tackle them:

• Dampen the stained area with 70% IPA.
• Gently rub with a clean cloth or your fingers.
• Allow to sit for a few minutes, then wash as normal.

The alcohol breaks down the waxy compounds in deodorant that cause those stubborn white streaks.

Stock Up on Isopropyl Alcohol

With so many uses around the home, it makes sense to keep multiple bottles and sizes on hand. Our 50ml spray is perfect for your bag or first aid kit, the 250ml spray handles everyday tasks, and the 1 litre bottle keeps you stocked for weeks. For electronics and precision cleaning, grab the 100% IPA spray or 1 litre 100% IPA.

Pair any IPA product with our Kitchova Microfibre Cloths (10-Pack) for the ultimate cleaning combination — lint-free, streak-free results every time.