Who Knew Vodka Could Do This?

Although many still indulge in the “medicinal” benefits of a martini, vodka has a surprising array of alternative uses that can save money and be kinder to the planet than the harsh chemicals it can stand in for. And with so many uses, it makes sense to have one bottle of vodka rather than array of otherwise specific products.

So just what can the versatile vodka do around the house?

Erase Window Streaks
As an alternative to using chemical cleansers, spray glass panes with diluted vodka, then wipe them down with a lint-free cloth.

Shine Chrome

Who needs separate chrome-cleaner, glass-cleaner, and porcelain-cleaner when a trip to the liquor cabinet can tackle all three materials at once? Dampen a cloth with vodka, rub, back in the shine.

Unstick sticky stickers

Do you save glass jars and reuse them? And those gummy label adhesive that clings to glass like a manic starfish. Vodka to the rescue. Dab a scouring sponge with some vodka, scrub, rinse with some liquid dish soap, no more sticky ugh.

Deodorize Laundry

Spritz undiluted vodka on clothes to help remove musty smells, then hang-dry them in a well-ventilated area.

Remove Rust from Screws

Leave a weathered screw in vodka for just a few hours, then wipe to get rid of rust

Preserve Cut Flowers

Save your bouquet by mixing a few drops of vodka with a teaspoon of sugar to inhibit the production of ethylene, which makes flowers wilt.

Remove Stains from Upholstery

Dip a clean cloth in vodka and rub it on fabric to help take out stubborn stains caused by ink, grass, and some foods

Kill Weeds

Mix 1 ounce of vodka, a few drops of liquid dish soap, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Apply on a sunny day to broadleaf weeds that grow in direct sunlight; the vodka will help remove the leaves’ waxy coating, causing them to dry out.

Clean Mold and Mildew

Rid tile and caulk of dark spots by spraying them with vodka. Let sit for up to 30 minutes, scrub with a grout brush or old toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly.

Soothe Aching Muscles

Treat sore muscles with a pack made by pouring equal parts of vodka and water into a resealable bag and freezing it to create a super-cold slushy mix. Whether you treat yourself to a cocktail afterward is up to you!

Stop Odors

Boots smelling ripe? Spritz the insides with diluted vodka; let dry. No more odor.

Shoo flies, and other pests

Getting rid of those pest with DEET? Don’t reach for that can of Raid again! Have a spray bottle of vodka on hand.  Use it to spray directly at the offenders, it can also be used on your skin as a repellant.

Give your hair some life

Vodka can make people lush and bouncy, and can do the same for your hair. Add an ounce to your bottle of shampoo and use as you usually do. It helps to break down the oil build-up that can make your hair look amazing.