8 Household Uses for Vodka That Go Beyond Your Bar Cart

Clean Cutting Boards

Cleaning professional Robin Murphy, president of Maid Brigade, says vodka is an ideal cleaning agent for sanitizing wooden cutting boards. "The vodka kills bacteria and viruses, and evaporates quickly so it won’t damage the wood which is sensitive to moisture," Murphy explains.

Vodka can help remove scents and stains from sealed wooden boards, serving trays, and utensils, as well as prevent any mold growth.

Natural Air Freshener

Make your own air freshener (sans aerosol chemicals) with your favorite scent and vodka in any spray or mist bottle. “Mix vodka with a few drops of essential oil,” Murphy says. “Because vodka has a natural antiseptic property, it doesn’t just mask bad odors—it neutralizes them.”

Freshen Laundry

Who knew—spilling vodka on your clothing can be a good thing! “Add a small amount of vodka to laundry to neutralize odors in workout clothes,” says Murphy. Pour up to a cup of vodka into your washing machine drum with your worn clothing, add detergent, and run the machine on a regular cycle.

Remove Sticky Residue

Need to get a stubborn label off a candle vessel or bottle you wish to reuse? Leave it to vodka. “Use vodka to remove sticky residue left by labels, tape, or glue,” Murphy suggests.

Apply vodka directly to the residue, let it sit for a bit, and then it should rub off easily.

Quickly Deodorize Clothes

Don't have time to run a full laundry cycle? Vodka can be used to quickly deodorize clothes if they need a refresh. Mix equal parts water and vodka in a spray bottle and spritz on the garment to help remove odors and freshen it up before heading out the door.

Extend the Life of Cut Flowers

To prevent bacteria from growing in water, add a few drops of vodka to your vase of cut flowers along with fresh water. The vodka is a natural antibacterial, which can help keep your blooms fresher for longer.

As a Shampoo Booster

Alcohol can help clear out scalp buildup, reduce dandruff, and may even have anti-frizz properties. Like any beauty ritual, the effectiveness depends on your skin and hair type—but adding a bit of vodka to your shampoo can provide the occasional deep clean you crave.

Substitute for Rubbing Alcohol

If you need rubbing alcohol but don’t have any on hand, vodka can work in a pinch. Note that vodka is typically around 40 percent ABV (alcohol by volume), while rubbing alcohol is about 70 percent—so vodka may not be as effective in some uses, but can be a helpful as a backup solution.