An unexpected product has emerged as a cult cleaning favourite.
Vodka is usually associated with its role as a popular spirit. However, this liquid is surprisingly versatile and can various clean things around the house.
The high alcohol content in vodka makes it an effective deodoriser, disinfectant and stain solvent.
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If you have a bottle of vodka laying around that has been collecting dust, put it to work as a cleaner instead.
Here are all the things this powerhouse product can effectively clean:
Mould
It’s that time of year again when mould and mildew start growing and thriving in damp conditions.
Vodka’s antifungal properties can quickly eliminate mould. Joyce French, a cleaning expert from HomeHow.co.uk, recommends using vodka to clean the spores from surfaces.
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“If you have any mildew present in your bathroom, you can get rid of it in no time with a bit of vodka,” she told The Express.
“Add one part vodka and one part water to a spray bottle and spray it directly on the affected area. Leave it to sit for around one to 15 minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
“Not only does the vodka clean away the mildew, but the alcohol content will also kill the mildew, preventing it from coming back time and time again.”
Glass and Mirrors
Using vodka to clean glass and mirrors leaves them streak-free and crystal clear.
Mixing equal parts water and vodka in a spray bottle makes a foolproof solution that can be easily spritzed onto mirrors and glass.
Once the solution is wiped off with a lint-free cloth, a sparkling reflection and surface are quickly revealed.
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Jewellery
Alcohol is an excellent tool for dissolving grime that can build up on jewellery.
To restore its shine, soak the jewellery in a small amount of vodka for a few minutes, using a soft brush to gently scrub off any dirt, rinse, and dry.
However, vodka can damage soft metals and delicate gems like pearls, so avoid using this method on them.
Fabric stains
Stains left on carpets, fabric, and upholstery can be very stubborn. As vodka is a solvent, blotting the stain with a vodka-soaked rag can help lift stains without leaving residue.
Before using patch testing on an inconspicuous area is essential to ensure the vodka won’t lift any fabric dyes.
Bathroom surfaces:
Soap scum and hard-water stains can be tricky to clean; spraying straight vodka on the affected areas works wonders.
Vodka is a disinfectant that can clean bathroom surfaces very quickly. Spray, let it sit, and then wipe it clean.
Vodka is also known for its magical ability to clean chrome fixtures, leaving them streak-free when wiped down with vodka and a lint-free cloth.
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Plants
Surprisingly, a cloth dampened with vodka is excellent for wiping down plants to rid them of dust and keep pests at bay.
Stone
Cleaning marble and granite is difficult due to their delicate and porous nature.
Vodka is a gentle way to clean them of dust and grime. Spray the area with one part vodka and one part water, then wipe it off with a clean and soft cloth.
Blinds
They are one of the most time-consuming things to clean in the house, but while it takes a long time, the process is quite simple. Just wipe down with a vodka-soaked rag to remove dust and grime easily.
Makeup brushes
Soaking makeup brushes in a shallow vodka bath will disinfect them after a few minutes. Afterwards, give them a good rinse with water before letting them air dry.
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Air freshener:
Suppose you’re looking for an all-around air freshener to refresh musty-scented towels, bedsheets, and blankets. In that case, vodka provides the perfect deodorising base.
Mixing one part vodka, one part water, and a few drops of essential oils will create the ideal air freshener. This solution can also be used to disinfect and refresh mattresses.
Sticky and greasy residue:
Whether it’s sticky residue from a label or grease stains on backsplashes, spraying vodka on the area and letting it soak will break down the adhesive and grease, allowing it to be easily wiped away.
Vodka might not be the most affordable cleaning solution, but it’s a great multi-purpose cleaner that can be used in a pinch.
It also offers a more eco-friendly alternative to many chemical-based commercial cleaners.
Vodka’s ability to break down grease, dirt, stains and grime, coupled with its disinfectant properties, makes it effective in cleaning almost anything.
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