People often purchase various cleaning agents to maintain cleanliness in different parts of the house: glass fresheners, sticky stain removers, or odor sprays. However, there is one item that can function as a universal cleaner in the home, and that is vodka. A bottle of vodka kept on a home bar can help with both minor and more serious cleaning tasks.
Vodka is not only used for making cocktails; the alcohol contained within it helps tackle grease, unpleasant odors, sticky substances, and various types of dirt. Below are six ways to use vodka that may change your perception of this drink's application.
Ways to Use Vodka for Cleaning
1. Removing labels from bottles and cans: Removing old stickers from glass jars, bottles, or mugs can sometimes be a difficult task. When trying to peel off a label, the paper often comes off, but sticky glue remains. Vodka can help get rid of this glue. Apply a little vodka to a cloth and leave it on the stuck label for about a minute. After that, wiping with the cloth easily removes the glue residue.
2. Freshening smelly shoes: Odor from shoes due to sweat or rain can cause significant discomfort. Instead of constantly using powder or perfume, you can spray the shoes with vodka and let them dry overnight. According to experts, this can help reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria and eliminate unpleasant smells. This method applies not only to sneakers but also to boots and indoor footwear.
3. Streak-free cleaning of mirrors and glass: If white streaks or marks remain after washing glass, the entire effort seems pointless. In such cases, vodka can be applied. To clean glass with vodka, mix equal parts of vodka and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the glass or mirror, and then wipe it with a clean cloth. Experts note that vodka helps remove grease and polishes the glass without leaving strong streaks.
4. Restoring shine to jewelry: If grease has accumulated on your jewelry, such as diamonds or other hard stones, and its brightness has diminished, vodka can help. It is capable of removing grease and restoring shine to ornaments. However, it should be remembered that not all types of jewelry are suitable for this use.
5. Restoring shine to stainless steel and chrome: Fingerprints and water marks easily appear on stainless steel surfaces in the kitchen, chromed fixtures, or metal equipment. Vodka can be very useful in cleaning these surfaces. For this, it is enough to slightly dampen a soft cloth with vodka and gently wipe the surface. This will help remove water spots, fingerprints, and light grease, restoring the shine. However, if the stainless steel has a special coating or matte finish, a test must first be conducted on an inconspicuous area. Special caution should be exercised when working with sensitive coatings, such as black stainless steel or brushed brass.
6. Treating mold in the bathroom: Moss and mold sometimes appear in the corners of the bathroom or in damp areas. Vodka can also be used in such zones. According to an expert, you should spray vodka in areas where moss or mold appears without adding water and leave it for 10 minutes. Then, the area should be cleaned by rubbing.