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?

This post originally ran on Kitchn. See it there: The $4 Costco Item I Use to Clean Everything in My Kitchen