As awareness of the importance of cleanliness continues to increase, the use of 70% alcohol is increasingly widespread. Apart from being a mixture hand sanitizer, This material is also widely used for other household purposes. However, if used incorrectly, 70% alcohol can also cause side effects on the skin. So, even though it is generally safe to use, you still have to be careful. Don’t irritate or damage the skin.
Various functions of 70% alcohol
Because of its effective nature in killing disease-causing bacteria and viruses, 70% alcohol is often used for various purposes, such as:
1. As an antiseptic
The most well-known function of alcohol is to clean wounds, because it has antiseptic properties. Antiseptics are materials that function to clean the surface of the body from germs such as bacteria and viruses.
To be effective in killing the causes of this disease, an antiseptic product must use an alcohol content above 50%.
Use antiseptic to clean your hands after touching anything that is frequently used together, such as elevator buttons and door handles.
2. As a disinfectant
The disinfectant function is actually the same as antiseptic. However, disinfectants are products that are mostly used for inanimate objects, such as table surfaces, cell phones or stair railings.
You can use 70% alcohol as a disinfectant to clean various surfaces that are frequently touched, including scissors, thermometers and computer keyboards.
3. Eliminate nausea
Inhaling the aroma of 70% alcohol has been proven to be effective in eliminating nausea by half. When you feel nauseous, you can dip a cotton swab that has been formed into small balls into 70% alcohol and inhale the cotton slowly until the feeling of nausea subsides.
Remember, don’t inhale too much alcohol because it can cause other health problems, such as poisoning.
4. Eliminate body odor
70% alcohol can help eliminate body odor because this liquid is able to kill the bacteria that cause the unpleasant odor. To get this benefit, you can apply a little alcohol to your armpits.
But remember, don’t apply it after shaving or removing armpit hair because it can cause irritation and stinging on the skin. If your skin is sensitive, don’t immediately apply alcohol evenly to the entire surface of your armpits the first time you try.
Do a test first by applying a few drops to a small area of the armpit and wait a while to see the reaction. If it’s safe, then you can try applying it more widely.
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5. Remove water from inside the ear
If water gets in your ears while swimming or showering, use alcohol to remove the water so your ears don’t get wet fried. The method is easy, mix 1/2 teaspoon of 70% alcohol and 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar.
Pour the solution into the ear using a pipette or other drip device into the ear with your head tilted to the side. Let the solution flow out so that your ears feel more relieved.
However, make sure you don’t use this method if your ear is infected or has a ruptured eardrum, because the alcohol will actually get deeper and the ear condition will get worse.
6. Eliminates shoe odor
Our shoes can become a nest for bacteria, especially if the wearer’s feet sweat easily. If you don’t clean them regularly, smelly shoes will no longer be a new story.
The good news is, you can use 70% alcohol to remove it. The method is to simply spray a little alcohol into the shoes and then dry them in the sun until they dry.
7. As a cold compress
You can use cold compresses for various purposes, such as reducing joint pain or swelling in areas of the body. To use 70% alcohol as a cold compress, here’s how:
- Put water and 70% alcohol in a 2:1 ratio in a plastic bag or ziplock bag.
- After that, tie or close the plastic tightly. But first, try to remove most of the air remaining in the bag.
- Then, insert the plastic into another plastic and repeat by closing it as tightly as possible and with as little air as possible.
- Freeze in the refrigerator for several hours.
8. Make it as a room fragrance
You can also use 70% alcohol as a disinfectant and air freshener. To do this, simply put the alcohol in a spray bottle and then mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Spray the mixture on areas in the room that smell bad. Not only does it smell good, this mixture will also help kill bacteria residing in the area.
9. Clean make-up brushes
Make-up tools, such as brushes, must also be cleaned. Because if not, the tool could become a nest for bacteria that makes you prone to acne.
To clean it, simply pour 70% alcohol in a small container, then dip your make-up brush into it and spin it for a few seconds. After that, wash the brush with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.
10. Remove ink stains from clothes
This liquid can also be used to remove ink stains from clothes. To do this, you simply soak the part affected by the ink in alcohol for a few minutes. Then wash the clothes as usual using detergent.
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When should the use of 70% alcohol be avoided?
Even though it has many uses, that doesn’t mean that 70% alcohol is safe to use without caution. However, this liquid is still a chemical that can cause side effects if used carelessly.
The following are conditions where the use of 70% alcohol needs to be avoided.
- Mixed into bath water. This can cause your body to absorb too much alcohol and cause poisoning.
- Reduces fever. Even though it can be used as a cold compress, 70% alcohol is not effective for fever or lowering body temperature.
- Cure acne. Alcohol will dry out the skin and make acne worse.
- Eliminates fleas. Even though it can kill lice, alcohol risks damaging the scalp.
You also need to remember not to drink 70% alcohol because it can cause poisoning or even coma. The alcohol used for drinks is a different type compared to the alcohol used for antiseptics and disinfectants.
