Rubbing alcohol is a great disinfectant, but it can also leave a sticky residue on your wood. This is especially true when you use the cleaning solution on finished wood surfaces.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean and disinfect a variety of surfaces in your home, but it can also cause damage if you aren’t careful. Use rubbing alcohol only on unfinished wood, as it might strip away the finish from finished wood. If you need to remove a stain from finished wood, use lacquer thinner instead.
The problem with using rubbing alcohol is that it leaves behind an oily residue that attracts dirt and dust. To fix this problem, wipe off all of the excess liquid from the surface with a dry cloth or paper towel before allowing it to dry completely. Once all of the liquid has evaporated, use sandpaper or steel wool to lightly sand down any rough spots left by the rubbing alcohol so they don’t catch dirt and dust over time.
When using rubbing alcohol on furniture or other items that have been stained by ink or other liquids, be sure to test an inconspicuous area first to ensure that you won’t damage your piece with too much scrubbing or sanding after using the cleaning solution.
Last modified: July 31, 2022