It may be more at home in your cocktail than your cleaning caddy, but vodka is a surprisingly effective household cleaner.
Thanks to its high alcohol content, it acts as a natural disinfectant, deodoriser, and degreaser – all without the harsh chemical lingering smell of many commercial products.
From shoes to pillows and natural stone surfaces, check out how to use this cleaning tip all over your home. Vodka is surprisingly versatile and non toxic when used for cleaning.
What you need to know about cleaning with vodka
To allay any worries you might have about cleaning with vodka, these are the key points to know:
- Whilst drinking vodka is toxic to the body, it is a very-effective non-toxic cleaning agent
- Vodka is pH-neutral, making it safe on natural or porous surfaces such as marble
- Once dry, vodka leaves no odor behind
- It disinfects brilliantly, killing bacteria, viruses and mold spores in one fell swoop
- It is flammable only when wet, so the moment it dries, it is no longer flammable
- It dries exceptionally quickly due to its high alcohol content
- Vodka is a versatile cleaning agent, as you can dab a cloth in it and wipe to clean a surface, soak items in it to disinfect, or make a 50/50 mix with water and use as a spray.
Here are nine things you can clean with vodka. Switching to this is a great way to make your home less toxic, especially when cleaning.
1. Windows
While windows are one of the many things you can clean with vinegar, vodka cuts through grease and grime on glass surfaces with ease.
Just mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, spritz on windows or mirrors, and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine.
Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'Vodka works really well on windows because it cuts through grease and evaporates quickly, so it doesn’t leave any soap scum or residues. Use the Waffle Weave Towels from The Rag Company, available at Amazon, as they're highly absorbent, so won't leave streaks or lint.'
2. Granite and marble surfaces
Cleaning natural stone with homemade or pantry items can be tricky as you need to avoid acidic cleaners such as vinegar. However, vodka is a safe alternative that cleans without dulling the surface of natural stone as it's pH-neutral.
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, 'Unlike vinegar or lemon, vodka is pH-neutral and safe on natural stone, which means it cleans without etching or dulling the finish.
'Simply mix half a cup of vodka, a cup of distilled water, and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender works great! Shake gently and spray directly onto granite or marble, wiping with a soft microfiber cloth, buffing gently for shine.'
Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil from Walmart is a great value pick, while for an extra-impressive finish, Toner recommends Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish, available from Amazon. She says, 'It adds a layer of shine and protection after using your vodka spray.'
Do be careful when spraying it in the kitchen for cleaning, however, as vodka is flammable and needs to stay away from open flames. The good news is, once it is dry, it is no longer flammable. Due to its high alcohol content (typically a minimum of 40%), it dries very fast.
3. Shoes
If you're tired of that lingering gym shoe funk, you'll be glad to know vodka can naturally deodorize the insides of smelly shoes.
Toner says, 'Vodka neutralizes odors by killing odor-causing bacteria, especially useful for gym shoes or anything you wear without socks. It dries fast and won’t damage most fabrics.
'Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle, then lightly spray the inside of your shoes, but avoid over-saturating. Let them air dry overnight in a well-ventilated area.'
Toner recommends Dr. Scholl's Odor-X Spray Powder from Amazon for a finishing touch. She adds, 'It helps achieve that long-lasting freshness. Also, consider adding a few drops of Majestic Pure Eucalyptus Essential Oil from Walmart.'
Toner recommends these deodorizing sneaker balls, which can be twisted to adjust scent intensity. She says, 'Pop them in shoes between wears for that just-cleaned freshness.'
4. Chrome bathroom fixtures
You can also polish chrome faucets and handles with vodka to remove water stains and leave a brilliant shine.
Wells Ye, founder of Fresh Tech Maid, says, 'No matter how much you wipe them, your bathroom faucets inevitably start looking dull after some time. Vodka's alcohol can make them shine like new again, breaking down soap scum and water spots, then drying fast.
'Simply dampen a microfiber cloth with undiluted vodka, wipe down your chrome fixtures, such as faucets, handles, and shower rods, then rub with a dry microfiber cloth for a bright, polished finish.'
5. Cutting boards
Disinfect wooden, silicone, glass, or plastic cutting boards by wiping them with vodka. It’s a natural way to kill lingering bacteria and neutralise food odours between deeper washes.
Ye says, 'Wooden cutting boards can hold onto germs, especially after you cut meat or fish on them. Regular soap and water don't clean them well enough, but vodka comes with antibacterial powers, killing the germs hiding in those little cuts and grooves.
'First, give your cutting board a good rinse with soap and water, then spray undiluted vodka on the board, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes. Rinse again and let it air dry upright.'
For the initial clean, Seventh Generation Clean with Purpose Liquid Dish Soap, available from Walmart, is a powerful but eco-friendly dish soap that comes with a fresh, zesty scent, as well as great reviews. Toner also recommends Dawn Original Scent Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap from Target, adding, 'This product is gentle, yet effective at cutting through grease and grime.'
6. Sticky residue
Sticker gunk and price tag remnants lift easily when rubbed with a vodka-soaked cloth. It breaks down adhesive quickly and evaporates without leaving behind oil or streaks.
Will Cotter, owner of DeluxeMaid, says, 'We all know that annoying goo that stickers and labels leave behind – well vodka's high alcohol content breaks it down perfectly without damaging the surface underneath.
'Simply dampen a cloth or a cotton ball with vodka and press it over the sticky spot. Once it’s loosened up, wipe it away. You might need to repeat for super sticky bits, but it usually lifts right off.'
Toner recommends the Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge from Amazon. She says, 'It's gentle enough for glass jars, yet tough enough to tackle that sticky gunk.'
Cotter adds, 'Finish by buffing the area with a dry cloth to make it shine like new.'
This triple pack of scratch-free sponges is ideal for lifting away sticky residue. Though soft in warm water, these versatile sponges go firm in cold water, and really pack a punch with vodka.
7. Razor blades
Used razor blades are another of the unlikely household items that vodka will have gleaming like new in no time.
Cotter says, 'Vodka is a safe and highly effective choice for cleaning your razor blades. Typically at around 40%, vodka has enough alcohol content to kill bacteria without any added perfumes that could mess with your skin.
'After shaving, rinse the razor under hot water to flush out hair and shaving cream. Dip it in a small cup of vodka, making sure it touches all the metal parts, then let it sit for at least five minutes before shaking off the excess and placing it somewhere upright to air dry. You’ll notice it stays cleaner, smells neutral, and doesn’t dull out as quickly.'
While you're near it, take a look at these things you can clean with shaving foam, including suede and ovens!
8. Mold and mildew
Tackle light mould and mildew in damp areas like grout lines or shower corners.
Ye says, 'Mold shows up in damp places like bathroom corners or between tile grout. It looks like dark spots and smells musty. Instead of using strong bleach right away, try cleaning it with vodka. Its antifungal properties kills the mold without giving off harmful fumes.
'Spray undiluted vodka directly onto the affected area, leave it for 20–30 minutes, scrub bathroom corners and tile grouts with a soft-bristle brush or sponge, then rinse and dry thoroughly.'
Ye recommends the Ganganmax Store Soft Bristle Scrub Cleaning Brush from Amazon, adding, 'It's great for scrubbing away tough mold and mildew.'
9. Pillows
If you're not sure how often you should wash your pillows, or how best to clean them, you're not alone. But vodka could come to the rescue.
Spritz vodka lightly over pillows to help kill bacteria and eliminate odors between washes. It’s particularly useful for decorative pillows or couch cushions that aren’t machine-washable. Let them air dry completely before use.
Evans says, 'Pillows are great items to be cleaned with vodka because we usually need to deodorize them and kill bacteria, which vodka is great at. Simply spray it through an amber glass spray bottle, then allow to dry.'
Cleaning pro Steve Evans recommends this two-pack of bottles, saying, 'The 16 oz size is a good balance: compact, but large enough so you don’t have to refill them every 5 minutes.'
Meet the experts
So there you have it – nine things you can clean with vodka. While it won't replace every cleaner in your cupboard, it's a surprisingly handy go-to for small, targeted tasks.
Next, learn the cleaning myths that will damage your countertops – plus what to do instead.
