Vodka has many practical applications around the house, from cleaning and gardening to personal care. While it may be more expensive than some cleaning alternatives, vodka’s antiseptic properties and ability to dissolve substances make it a simple replacement for some household products. We’ll explore 10 ways to use vodka around your home and successfully tackle common home tasks.
Understanding Vodka’s Properties
Vodka is a neutral spirit made from grains or potatoes with a high alcohol content, usually around 40% by volume. This high alcohol concentration gives vodka its antiseptic and solvent properties, making it useful for cleaning, disinfecting, and breaking down various substances.
Cleaning and Deodorizing With Vodka
Vodka’s ability to kill bacteria and dissolve grime makes it an excellent natural cleaning agent. From erasing window streaks to shining surfaces and removing mold and mildew, here are a few ways to use vodka around your home.
Erase Window Streaks
For a chemical-free window cleaning solution, mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, then apply to glass surfaces. Wipe down the area with a lint-free cloth for streak-free windows. This method is ideal for removing stubborn fingerprints and smudges.
Remove Rust From Screws
To loosen the screws from their base, soak them in vodka for a few hours. The alcohol helps break down the rust, making it easier to remove the screw. After soaking, wipe away the loosened rust and try unscrewing the screws so you can replace or clean them.
Shine Chrome Fixtures
Bathroom and kitchen fixtures can quickly accumulate soap scum and water spots. To restore their shine, dampen a soft cloth with undiluted vodka and wipe down your chrome surfaces. The alcohol in vodka helps break down mineral deposits and leaves fixtures looking brand-new without the use of harsh chemicals.
Remove Mold and Mildew
Vodka’s antiseptic elements make it a good tool for tackling mold and mildew in damp areas of your home. Spray undiluted vodka directly onto the affected tile or caulk, letting it sit for up to 30 minutes. Then, scrub with a grout brush or old toothbrush before washing the area with water.
Vodka as a Laundry and Fabric Aid
You can use vodka on laundry and upholstery, offering a natural solution for common fabric issues, including deodorizing and stain removal.
Deodorize Clothes
You can use vodka to remove musty odors from clothing and eliminate the need for chemical fabric fresheners. Spray undiluted vodka directly onto your smelly clothes, hanging them to air-dry in a well-ventilated area. The alcohol will evaporate, taking the odors with it and leaving your clothes smelling fresher.
Remove Stains From Upholstery
Before using vodka on your furniture, test the alcohol on a small area of your upholstery to check that your furniture’s color won’t alter For ink, grass, or food stains, dip a clean cloth in vodka and gently blot the affected area. The alcohol will help break down the stain, making it easier to lift from the fabric.
Outdoor Applications for Vodka
Vodka can naturally kill weeds and help preserve flowers, resulting in a clean and well-kept outdoor space.
Kill Weeds Naturally
You can create an eco-friendly weed killer by mixing one ounce of vodka, a few drops of liquid dish soap, and two cups of water in a spray bottle. The vodka helps remove the waxy coating on weeds, causing them to dry out and die. For maximum effectiveness, apply this solution to broadleaf weeds on a sunny day.
Preserve Cut Flowers
To extend the life of your flowers, add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the vase water. The vodka inhibits the production of ethylene, a gas that causes flowers to wilt, while the sugar provides nutrients. You should change the water every few days, repeating the vodka and sugar addition to keep your flowers lasting longer.
Vodka in the Kitchen
Beyond cocktails, vodka has disinfecting properties that can keep your kitchen space clean and safe from bacteria and staining.
Clean and Disinfect Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards can trap bacteria because they have more porous surfaces than plastic. After washing your cutting board with soap and water, spray it with undiluted vodka and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with water and letting it air-dry.
Remove Sticky Residue From Surfaces
You can use vodka to quickly dissolve adhesive residue from labels and sticky messes by applying it to the affected area and letting it sit for a few minutes. Wipe away the area with a clean cloth and repeat this process if necessary for more persistent residue.
Crafting With Vodka
Vodka’s neutral flavor and high alcohol content make it useful in various crafting projects. You can use it as a base for homemade extracts, scented room sprays, and natural hand sanitizers.
Make Homemade Extracts
You can create your own vanilla, mint, or other flavored extracts using vodka as a base. Place your chosen flavoring agent (vanilla beans, mint leaves, etc.) in a jar and fill it with vodka. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking occasionally. After a few weeks, you can strain the mixture and use your extract for baking or cooking.
Create Scented Room Sprays
Craft your own natural room fresheners by combining vodka with essential oils. Mix one-fourth cup of vodka with three-fourths cup of distilled water and 15–20 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use to disperse the oils evenly in the bottle. The vodka helps the scent linger in the air longer than just using water.
Create a Natural Hand Sanitizer
Mix two parts vodka with one part aloe vera gel and a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. While not as effective as commercial sanitizers, this mixture can help reduce bacteria on your hands when soap and water aren’t available.
Vodka for Pet Care
For odor elimination and minor wounds, use vodka as an alternative to help your pets and keep your home fresh.
Eliminate Pet Odors
To address pet accidents on carpets or upholstery, blot up as much of the mess as possible before spraying the area with a mixture of equal parts vodka and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the area dry.
Treat Minor Pet Wounds
In emergencies when proper pet first aid supplies aren’t available, you can use vodka to clean small cuts or scrapes on your pets. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and gently dab the affected area. After, consult with your veterinarian for proper wound care and treatment.
Safety Precautions When Using Vodka at Home
By taking the proper precautions listed below, vodka can be an effective cleaning solution and odor eliminator:
- Always test vodka on a less noticeable area before using it on fabrics or surfaces.
- Keep vodka out of reach of children and pets.
- Never mix vodka with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.
- Use vodka in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Vodka is flammable, so keep it away from heat sources.
Our Conclusion
From cleaning and deodorizing to crafting and pet care, vodka is a great eco-friendly alternative to many chemical-based products. Its natural antiseptic and solvent properties can help with cleaning, deodorizing, stain removal, and pet care. While these uses for vodka can be practical and cost-effective, remember that commercial products designed for specific purposes may be better for some tasks.