The $4 Costco Item I Use to Clean Everything in My Kitchen

I’m a self-professed cleaning freak and have no shame about it. Good thing, too, because I’m also, um, a bit of a messy cook. Whether it’s a smoothie-related blender explosion, a coffee spill, or sticky batter smudges, I have plenty to clean every day.

And so I’ve tested out all kinds of natural cleaning products. Some have worked, but mostly I find that they’re just far too expensive compared to homemade options. Now, like many people, I make it a practice to keep distilled white vinegar, lemons, and baking soda on hand at all times. But I recently discovered something else that I like much better for most kitchen clean-ups. It’s simple and super efficient. Best of all, I can get a pack of two massive bottles from Costco for just $4.

What is it? Rubbing alcohol!

Yup, rubbing alcohol. Some of you may already use this, so I may be late to the party, but it’s my new love for most cleaning tasks in the kitchen.

• Wipe down countertops to remove fingerprints.
• Use it to clean your phone and tablet screen.
• Wipe down windows and the glass on your oven door to remove stains, dust, and fingerprints.
• Clean doorknobs, cabinet knobs, light switches, appliance handles, and other germ-y hot spots that get touched often.
• Wipe down refrigerator shelves.
• Clean your microwave (inside and out).
• Add it to a spray bottle diluted with water (in a 1:3 ratio of rubbing alcohol to water) and use it as an all-purpose cleaner.

• If you have an actual food spill, be sure to wipe it down with a wet, soapy cloth first. Rubbing alcohol will remove germs and stains, but for messier jobs, you’ll want to use hot, soapy water first.
• Be careful when using rubbing alcohol on certain fabrics; be sure to spot test before you use it on your upholstered dining room chairs.
• Don’t pour it directly onto the surfaces; add some to a paper towel or cloth (a few drops) and then wipe as needed. A bottle lasts much longer this way, and using more doesn’t necessarily increase its cleaning power.

Do you clean with rubbing alcohol? How do you use it in the kitchen?