The Cleaning Workhorse You Already Carry in Your Purse
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(Image credit: Marisa Vitale)
It’s become ubiquitous. Whether it’s a tiny bottle of colored gel clipped to a teens’ backpack, or the more natural version that’s a common diaper bag companion, hand sanitizer is becoming a staple of everyone’s personal bag.
Besides its obvious purpose (don’t forget that the CDC still recommends hand-washing as the best line of defense!), you can also bust out your hand sanitizer to accomplish these little cleaning tasks, at home and on the go.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Our pick: Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer, $12.39 for 2
Around the House
- Get hairspray off your glasses.
- Sanitize your phone or tablet.
- Clear off label residue.
- Wipe away permanent marker stains on dry erase boards, walls, and more (test the area first).
- Clean fingerprints off stainless steel.
- Sanitize makeup brushes. Rub some sanitizer into the bristles and let dry.
- Make glass surfaces shine even when you don’t have glass cleaner.
- Remove paint stains, including from brushes.
- Remove scuff marks from your shoes.
On the Go
- Clean your sunglasses.
- Stop mosquito bites from itching.
- Tame flyaways in a pinch.
- Loosen sap from your fingers, should you find yourself in a sticky situation.
- Forgot your deodorant? Wipe on hand sanitizer (but not if you’ve just shaved).
- Sanitize a toilet seat in a public bathroom when there are no covers available.
- Deodorize your yoga mat.
- Treat clothing stains (make sure your hand sanitizer is clear and fragrance-free for this one).