Everyone knows vodka is mainly for drinking, but this versatile spirit can also be used for other things and save you money at the same time!
Because of it’s high alcohol content, vodka is a natural disinfectant, antitoxin, and antiseptic. This makes it the perfect trifecta when it comes to keeping things clean.
If you don’t drink but received a bottle as a gift or hosted a party recently and have some leftover vodka on hand. Before you even think about throwing it down the drain, here’s a few unexpected ways to use vodka…
#1 – Gets Rid of Foul Odors
Vodka can be used as a natural deodorizer. Spray diluted vodka inside your shoes and leave them out to dry to neutralize any bad smells. You can also spray it on your feet for the same effect.
Whenever it’s humid at home, towels quickly become musty as they turn into the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. To fight this, add 1 cup of vodka into your washing machine along with the detergent of your choice. Once the tub fills up, let towels soak for an hour before running a washing cycle. Soaking will help the odor-fighting vodka get into the fibers of the towels for a deep clean.
#2 – Use it For Cleaning Windows
Did you know that window cleaners rely heavily on alcohol for their effectiveness? Just fill a spray bottle with vodka and it will do just as good of a job as your average window cleaner.
3. Turn it Into a Flexible Ice Pack
A homemade ice pack that’s flexible and reusable is the perfect solution for emergencies. This flexible ice pack gets really cold, but never hardens so you can manipulate it to fit any parts of your body. Every athlete or parent should learn how to make this!
Mix 2 cups of water with 1 cup of high-proof vodka (70% or higher) in a resealable bag. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Use a second bag for added strength and to reduce the risk of leakage. Finally, put your flexible homemade ice pack in the freezer for 12 hours. Once frozen it will be similar to slush, and ready to use for any injury that needs the cold treatment.
4. Keep Fresh-Cut Flowers Longer
Combining a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of vodka together is a great way to preserve flowers. Simply add the mix to your flower vase. To keep your flowers fresh even longer, swap out the solution with fresh ingredients on a day to day basis.
5. Shine Your Fixtures
Use vodka to clean your chrome or porcelain fixtures. Just apply directly onto a piece of cloth and scrub to get things shining again!
6. Poison Ivy
One of the biggest joy killers while being in the great outdoors is coming in contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac.
To avoid a nasty, long-lasting rash, immediately pour vodka on the afflicted area. The alcohol content in the vodka will help wash away the urushiol oil that’s responsible for the itchy sensation.
7. Soothe Jellyfish Stings
Vodka can also help alleviate any uncomfortable reaction that stems from a jellyfish sting. Just pour vodka on the wound and it will have a soothing effect after some 10-20 minutes.
8. Clean Away Mold
Mold can spread easily and can negatively impact indoor air quality. As long as your mold problem hasn’t gotten out of hand, spray some vodka on moldy spots and let sit for 15 minutes. Then use an old toothbrush and scrub away.
9. Ease a Toothache
When you have a terrible toothache, your first priority should be to set up an appointment with a dentist. However, if you can’t get to a dentist right away, you can always try swishing a shot of vodka over the affected tooth. It can help kill bad bacteria, and numb some of the pain in your gums. Clove oil is also another alternative if you have some at home!
10. Keep your razor sharp
Razors become dull because small debris of hair, water and shaving cream are left on the blades after each use. To prolong the life of your razors, clean it properly and let it soak in a glass of vodka. This will prevent the blades from being eaten up by acid or rust.
11. Remove sticker goo
There’s something oddly satisfying about peeling off a price tag in one motion. But when that doesn’t happen and you’re left with unwanted residue, simply scrub the leftovers with some vodka for a smooth surface.
12. Disinfect Your Rugs and Mattresses
Your rugs see a lot of foot traffic each day. And if you have pets in the house, your rugs are probably filled with all kinds of dirt and germs. A simple way of keeping your rugs fresh is to spray vodka on them, killing any foul order and disinfecting them. This trick will also work for your mattress.