Creative Applications of Vodka in Household: Beyond Mixing Cocktails
Vodka: Beyond the Martini
Vodka ain't just a bar essential, it's a versatile, identify-those-nasty-odors-and-vanquish-them superhero hidden in your liquor cabinet! This clear spirit, historically distilled from grains or potatoes, has a penchant for kicking out bacteria, viruses, and other stinky invaders lurking in your home. Here are some smart, sustainable ways to use vodka around the house.
Pro Tip: Robin Murphy, the president of Maid Brigade in White Plains, NY, shares her wisdom on the many uses of this sparkling spirit.
1. All-Natural Wooden Cutting Board Sanitizer
Germs and odors beware! Thanks to its antiseptic properties, vodka blasts away bacteria and viruses on wooden cutting boards, evaporating rapidly without harming the wood. This quick dry helps prevent moisture damage.
2. DIY Essential Oil-Inspired Air Freshener
Forget chemical-laden aerosols. Mix vodka with your favorite essential oils in any spray bottle, and voilà! You've created an all-natural, odor-neutralizing air freshener.
3. Scent-Fighting Laundry Secret Weapon
Discover the magic of spilled vodka! Pour it on workout clothes pre-wash to eliminate reeky odors. Add a cup or so to your washing machine drum, alongside detergent, and run a regular cycle to witness its transformative power.
4. Efficient Sticky Residue Eraser
Revive jars, candle vessels, or reusable containers by applying vodka directly to the stubborn residue left by labels, tape, or glue. Let it sit, and watch as the gunk rubs off effortlessly.
Pro Tips:- For a quick fabric freshen-up, spritz equal parts water and vodka on the garment before heading out.- Add a few drops of vodka to your vase of cut flowers to keep blooms fresher for longer, thanks to its antibacterial properties.- If you're out of rubbing alcohol, vodka can work as a stand-in in a pinch. However, it may not be as effective in some applications due to a lower alcohol content.- To help clear out scalp buildup, reduce dandruff, and possibly tame frizz, add a bit of vodka to your shampoo for an occasional deep clean. The effectiveness varies depending on your unique skin and hair type.
Martha Stewart, a renowned lifestyle expert, suggests using vodka for cleaning and organizing tasks in a sustainable manner. One innovative use is sanitizing wooden cutting boards by applying vodka, which evaporates quickly and doesn't harm the wood, thus preventing moisture damage. Additionally, she recommends creating an all-natural air freshener by mixing vodka with essential oils in a spray bottle, which neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals. Furthermore, spilling vodka on workout clothes before washing can help eliminate stubborn odors.
