Spraying Diluted Rubbing Alcohol On Curtains: Why It Is Recommended And What It Is For

Be honest, when was the last time your curtains made it onto your cleaning to-do list? You probably vacuum the floor, wipe the furniture, and move on without giving those fabric panels much thought. It's okay; there's no shame. But if you're dealing with a stale smell in the room still despite all the cleaning, you might want to take a closer look at your curtains. That's when diluted rubbing alcohol can come in handy. It works as a fast-evaporating solvent, and you can use it to make a DIY curtain refresher.

Think of this solution as an alternative to a linen spray. While it can make the fabric smell a lot more pleasant, make sure you're continuing to clean curtains and drapes according to their care labels. And, if you have dry-clean-only drapes, double-check with your dry cleaner before applying a homemade spray. The basic supplies needed for this DIY are rubbing alcohol, distilled water, and a clean, labeled spray bottle. To reduce the strong scent of rubbing alcohol, you can add an essential oil to the mix for a fresher smell, but it is optional. Lastly, use this spray only in a well-ventilated area away from candles, heaters, or other heat sources, since rubbing alcohol is flammable.

You'll want to start by vacuuming your curtains with an upholstery attachment to clean and remove loose dust so the alcohol mixture can penetrate the fabric. For the solution, combine ¼ cup rubbing alcohol with 1 cup distilled water in a spray bottle. If you are using essential oils, test it on your curtain fabric first to make sure it does not leave any stains or residue. If it doesn't, add about 10 drops to the spray bottle. If you aren't adding a fragrance, don't worry about the rubbing alcohol's strong scent, as it shouldn't linger since it evaporates quickly. 

To use the spray, lightly mist the fabric without soaking it. If you include an essential oil, shake the bottle before each application to ensure the oil is evenly dispersed. Then let it air-dry fully. One important note: diluting alcohol with water doesn't turn it into a miracle odor remover. Without fragrance, the mixture won't leave a lasting "fresh linen" scent, and with fragrance, it's going to mask the smell rather than removing whatever caused the stale odor. That said, think of the spray as an occasional finishing touch after deep cleaning, and make sure the curtains are clean of anything extra funky. When you're done, properly store your cleaning supplies safely by labeling the bottle and keeping it upright in a cool spot away from heat.