Cleaning Solutions with Vodka: An Effective, Neutral, and Disinfecting Alternative
Ditch the conventional cleaning products and embrace the magic of vodka! This boozy beverage isn't just for sipping; it's a surprising powerhouse when it comes to cleaning around the house. With its high alcohol content, it acts as a natural disinfectant, deodorizer, and degreaser – all without leaving harsh chemical odors behind.
Whether you're tackling smelly shoes, grime on windows, or mold growing in your bathroom, vodka has you covered! Not only is it versatile, but it's also non-toxic when used for cleaning. So, let's raise a glass (err, spray bottle) to an eco-friendly, liquor-infused method of a cleaner, healthier home.
The Skinny on Cleaning with Vodka
Don't let the idea of cleaning with vodka give you the vapors. Here's what you need to know to feel comfortable using this agent for all sorts of cleaning tasks:
- It may be toxic to ingest, but it's a very effective non-toxic cleaning agent.
- It's pH-neutral, making it safe on natural or porous surfaces such as marble.
- Once dried, vodka leaves no odor behind.
- It disinfects brilliantly, killing bacteria, viruses, and mold spores in one fell swoop.
- It's flammable only when wet, so the moment it dries, it's no longer flammable.
- It dries exceptionally quickly due to its high alcohol content.
- You can use it as a spray, a dab, or a soak to clean various surfaces.
Here are nine things you can clean with vodka – you'll be amazed at its cleaning power!
Vodka: Your Secret Cleaning Weapon
1. Say Goodbye to Smudges on Windows
If you thought vinegar was the best thing for cleaning windows, hold on to your spray bottles! Vodka cuts through grease and grime on glass surfaces with ease. Combine equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, spritz on windows or mirrors, and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine.
Steve Evans, the owner of Memphis Maids (an award-winning cleaning service), suggests using The Rag Company's Waffle Weave Towels for the job. This towel offers high absorption for minimal streaks and lint.
2. Give Natural Stone Surfaces a Glossy Makeover
Cleaning your natural stone surfaces with homemade or pantry items can sometimes be a bit tricky, as you need to avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar. But fear not, vodka is here! Use it for cleaning marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces without worrying about etching or dulling their finish.
Simply mix half a cup of vodka, a cup of distilled water, and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender). Shake gently and spray the mixture directly onto granite or marble, then wipe with a soft microfiber cloth, buff gently for shine. For a streak-free appearance, we recommend Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil for its affordability. Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish is also a great choice for an extra-impressive shine.
Be careful with this method in the kitchen as vodka is flammable, so keep it away from open flames. However, once it's dry, it's no longer flammable.
3. Eliminate Shoe Odors
When your gym shoes start reeking, reach for the vodka! This multipurpose cleaner will neutralize the odors by killing odor-causing bacteria, especially beneficial for gym shoes worn without socks. Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, lightly spray the inside of your shoes, avoiding over-saturation, and let them air dry overnight in a well-ventilated area.
For longer-lasting freshness, consider using Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Spray Powder. A few drops of Majestic Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil can also help remove those gym shoe funk scents. For an additional cleaning trick, try these deodorizing sneaker balls, which can be twisted to adjust scent intensity, and pop them in your shoes between wearing them for a long-lasting, clean aroma.
4. Polish Your Chrome Fixtures
Not everything you can clean with vinegar will work for every surface – especially chrome bathroom fixtures. Vodka, however, is the perfect solution! It polishes chrome faucets, handles, and shower rods effectively, leaving a brilliant shine.
Simply wet a microfiber cloth with undiluted vodka, wipe down your chrome fixtures, and rub with a dry microfiber cloth for a bright, polished finish.
5. Clean Those Hard-to-Reach Places
Are your cutting boards loaded with germs? Regular soap and water may not clean them well enough to remove all the bacteria that hide in cutting board crevices. Vodka comes to the rescue with its antibacterial properties that can disinfect even the grooves and corners of the cutting board.
Clean your wooden, silicone, glass, or plastic cutting boards by wiping them with vodka for an all-natural way to kill lingering bacteria and neutralize food odors between deeper washes.
6. Remove Adhesive Stickiness
Still dealing with sticky residue from stickers or price tags? Douse a cloth or cotton ball with vodka, press it over the sticky spot, and watch as the adhesive breaks down. Vodka evaporates without leaving behind oil or streaks, making it a perfect solution for removing sticky messes without damaging the item's surface.
7. Give Your Razor a Sanitize
Want a like-new razor with each use? Vodka is the way to go! With a typical alcohol content of about 40%, vodka is effective at killing bacteria without any added harsh perfumes that could irritate your skin.
After shaving, rinse the razor under hot water to remove hair and shaving cream, then dip it in a small cup of vodka, ensuring it touches all the metal parts. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before shaking off the excess and letting it air dry upright.
8. Kiss Mold and Mildew Goodbye
Tackle light mold or mildew in damp areas like shower corners or bathroom tile grout with none other than vodka. Its antifungal properties kill the mold without giving off harmful fumes.
Spray undiluted vodka directly onto affected areas, leave it for 20-30 minutes, scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
For tough mold and mildew removal, consider using the Ganganmax Store Soft Bristle Scrub Cleaning Brush.
9. Freshen Up Pillows and Upholstery
Wondering how often to wash pillows or couch cushions? If they're not machine-washable, try using vodka instead! Vodka can help deodorize them and kill bacteria between more in-depth washes. Lightly spray pillows with vodka, let them dry completely, and enjoy a clean, fresh home without doing extensive laundry.
And there you have it! Vodka's uses go beyond mixed drinks; this versatile substance can help you clean your way to a healthier home. Happy cleaning!
The Experts Weigh In
From cleaning SMART Homes to deep cleaning issues, our experts have seen it all. Here's what they had to say about using vodka for cleaning:
- Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, has over a decade of experience in the house cleaning business and focuses on high standards with only 2% of applicants successfully joining the team.
- Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, is a professional cleaner with contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and more. She advocates for non-toxic cleaning methods.
- Wells Ye, founder of Fresh Tech Maid, has been sprucing up American homes for 25 years, emphasizing top service.
- Will Cotter, owner of DeluxeMaid, cleans thousands of U.S. homes and shares his expert cleaning tips in numerous publications.
- Don't limit your use of vinegar for cleaning windows; consider using vodka instead. Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, spritz on windows or mirrors, and wipe clean for a streak-free shine.
- For those who prefer non-toxic cleaning solutions, vodka can be an effective option for maintaining your home-and-garden tools. Store them in a solution of equal parts vodka and water to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
