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Vodka is not just for cocktails anymore. Vodka is a versatile and potent potable with cleaning powers aplenty. The grain-based liquor performs many of the same tasks as vinegar. So let’s get cleaning with vodka!
❤️ Why You’ll Love Cleaning with Vodka
Why do I love cleaning with vodka?
Vodka contains alcohol, which acts as a disinfectant. It can kill many types of bacteria and viruses on surfaces, making it great for cleaning and sanitizing areas in your home.
Vodka is known for its ability to neutralize odors. When used for cleaning, it can help eliminate unpleasant smells, leaving behind a fresher scent.
🧽 Materials Needed for Cleaning with Vodka
When choosing vodka for cleaning purposes, it’s best to opt for a plain, unflavored variety. Here are some tips for selecting the best vodka for cleaning:
- High proof: Look for vodka with a high alcohol content, ideally around 80 proof or higher. The higher the alcohol content, the more effective it will be as a disinfectant.
- Neutral scent: Choose vodka with little to no added flavors or fragrances. This ensures that the vodka won’t leave behind any unwanted smells after cleaning.
- Affordable: You don’t need to splurge on expensive vodka for cleaning purposes. Any decent quality, reasonably priced vodka will work just fine.
- Read labels: Check the label to ensure that the vodka doesn’t contain any additives or chemicals that could be harmful when used for cleaning.
- Consider eco-friendly options: Some brands offer organic or sustainably produced vodka, which may align with your preferences if you’re environmentally conscious.
Popular brands of vodka like Smirnoff, Absolut, or Tito’s are commonly used for cleaning purposes due to their high alcohol content and neutral flavor. However, any brand of plain vodka with a high alcohol content should work effectively for cleaning.
🧼 How to Do
To use on mirrors, mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto glass surfaces such as windows and mirrors, then wipe with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine.
For disinfecting surfaces, vodka’s high alcohol content makes it a natural disinfectant. Simply spray or wipe vodka onto surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and light switches, then let it air dry. It kills germs and bacteria without leaving behind any harsh chemical residue.
For odor removal, use vodka to neutralize odors on fabrics, upholstery, and carpets. Mist the affected area with vodka and allow it to air dry. The alcohol in vodka helps to break down and eliminate odor-causing bacteria, leaving behind a fresh scent.
🪄 Tips and Tricks for Cleaning with Vodka
Did you know you could use vodka for these things?
- Jewelry Cleaner: Soak your jewelry in vodka for a few minutes to dissolve oils, dirt, and grime. Gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry for sparkling clean jewelry.
- Mold and Mildew Remover: Spray vodka directly onto moldy or mildewed surfaces and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Rinse well with water and repeat if necessary.
- Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Dilute vodka with water and use it to rinse fruits and vegetables to help remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria.
🗒 Variations
Why not try fruit?! Infusing vodka with fruit to create a cleaning solution not only adds a pleasant fragrance to your cleaning routine but also enhances its natural cleaning properties. By combining fresh, aromatic fruits like citrus or berries with vodka, you create a potent concoction that not only cuts through grease and grime but also leaves behind a refreshing scent.
Whether it’s the zesty aroma of lemon or the sweet essence of strawberries, the fruit-infused vodka adds an extra boost to your cleaning arsenal. Simply spray or apply the solution onto surfaces like countertops, glass, or stainless steel, and wipe clean for a sparkling finish. Not only is it effective, but it’s also a natural and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, ensuring a healthier home environment for you and your family.
🗒 Substitutions
- Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol): Like vodka, rubbing alcohol is effective at disinfecting surfaces and cutting through grease and grime. It’s often cheaper than vodka and is readily available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
- White vinegar: Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that is effective at killing germs, dissolving mineral deposits, and cutting through grease. It can be used on its own or diluted with water for various cleaning tasks.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. It’s commonly used in combination with other cleaning agents or diluted with water for cleaning surfaces.
🫙 How to Store
- Keep it in a cool, dark place: Store your vodka in a cool area away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves or radiators. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the quality of the vodka over time.
- Use an airtight container: If you’ve opened a bottle of vodka but haven’t finished it, make sure to seal it tightly with the original cap or a cork stopper. This helps prevent evaporation and oxidation, which can affect the taste of the vodka.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations: Fluctuations in temperature can cause the vodka to expand and contract, potentially affecting its flavor and quality. Try to maintain a consistent temperature in the storage area, ideally between 15-20°C (59-68°F).
- Store upright: Store bottles of vodka upright to prevent the cork or cap from deteriorating over time. This also helps to minimize the risk of leakage or spillage.
🤔 Common Questions
Vodka is generally safe to use on most surfaces, including glass, stainless steel, and tile. However, it’s always a good idea to spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility, especially on delicate surfaces like marble or granite.
It’s generally not recommended to use vodka or any other liquid directly on electronics, as it can damage sensitive components. Instead, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down surfaces.
Vodka typically evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave behind a strong scent once dry. However, if you’re sensitive to alcohol smells, you can add a few drops of essential oils to your cleaning solution to mask any lingering odor.
Vodka is generally safe when used as a cleaning agent, but it’s always important to keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets. While vodka is less toxic than many commercial cleaners, it should still be stored securely.
Cleaning with Vodka
Ingredients
- 4 oz vodka
- 8 oz water or citrus infused white vinegar
- 4 oz of lemon juice
- 2-3 drops of Castile soap
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather 4oz of vodka, 8oz of water or citrus-infused white vinegar, 4oz of lemon juice, and 2-3 drops of Castile soap.
- Get a Mixing Container: Use a clean mixing container that can hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Pour in the Vodka: Start by pouring 4oz of vodka into the mixing container.
- Add Water or Citrus-Infused White Vinegar: Measure out 8oz of water or citrus-infused white vinegar and add it to the vodka in the mixing container.
- Pour in Lemon Juice: Measure 4oz of lemon juice and add it to the mixture in the container.
- Add Castile Soap: Gently drip 2-3 drops of Castile soap into the mixture. Be careful not to add too much, as Castile soap is concentrated.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a stirring utensil to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. Make sure the Castile soap is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Test and Adjust: Optionally, you can test a small amount of the mixture to ensure it meets your desired cleaning strength. If needed, you can adjust the proportions of the ingredients to achieve the desired result.
- Store Properly: Once mixed, store the solution in a clean, airtight container. Label it appropriately for future use.
- Use as Needed: Your cleaning solution is now ready to use. Pour it into a spray bottle or use it with a cloth or sponge to clean surfaces as needed.
