12 Unexpected Things You Can Clean With Vodka

A pair of sneakers placed on a doormat next to a flowering plant — Credit:
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

Vodka isn’t just a bar cart mainstay. When not being used to mix up spritzes or craft creamy sauces. The clear spirit can be a great cleaning agent at home.

"Due to its high alcohol content, vodka is a potent disinfectant," shares cleaning professional Trish Duarte. "When combined with a few drops of tea tree oil, which has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, it becomes a powerful substance with antimicrobial properties."

If you’re looking to make your own disinfecting cleaning spray, Duarte recommends combining one cup of vodka (60 percent ABV or higher proof) with 10-15 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Shake well and you're good to use. "This simple mix disinfects, deodorizes, and even helps fend off mold," Duarte says. "It dries fast, smells clean, and doesn’t leave that sticky or filmy residue behind."

Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro in Temecula, CA

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Shower and Tub

White and black bathroom with shower — in4mal / Getty Images

“A few spritzes after a hot shower keeps mildew from moving in,” Duarte says. “No scrubbing, no rinsing—just spray and walk away.” Vodka won’t erase layers of soap scum, but it will help everyday surfaces stay tidy and keep your home smelling fresher.

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Sinks and Faucets

A mist of vodka and a quick wipe kills germs and odor-causing buildup in and around the sink in your bathroom or kitchen. Note that vodka isn’t safe for unsealed stone, like marble—so skip this step if your sink is stone.

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Toilet Surfaces

Modern bathroom with toilet and bath — alvarez / Getty Images

Vodka is great as a speedy disinfectant for toilet seats, basins, and handles, especially before and after guests have used your restroom.

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Cutting Boards

While you should avoid using on a wooden cutting board (it'll dry out the wood), a vodka spray is great for sanitizing plastic or sealed cutting boards. “Just give it a minute to sit before wiping,” Duarte says. The spray can also be used on sealed countertops.

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Trash Cans

Get rid of that foul smell in your trash cans (and prevent new ones from forming) by spritzing their interiors and lids with vodka. This also works for compost bins and other receptacles.

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Upholstery

Vodka is great for cleaning upholstered furniture, such as sofas, because it refreshes the fabric without drenching it in moisture. Lightly mist the surface to refresh and allow it to dry. Remember to patch test first in a subtle area before spraying the entire piece.

While not suitable for leather, suede, or silk, vodka can be a great way to easily refresh drapes, decorative blankets, pillows, and curtains. You can use vodka spray to freshen up car interiors, too.

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Doorknobs and Switches

Door with grill, stainless door knob or handle on wooden door in beautiful lighting.a handle on a door that is turned to release the latch. — kckate16 / Getty Images

These high-contact surfaces are germ magnets and require frequent cleaning. Spray vodka onto a cloth and wipe down frequently touched light switches and doorknobs.

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Mattresses

Mattresses can feel challenging to clean and rarely get the care they deserve. To easily give yours some TLC, turn to this versatile cleaning agent.

After removing bedding, spray the surface of the mattress with vodka and let it dry to refresh it. This can also work well for pet beds.

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Shoes

Freshen your shoes overnight by spraying a bit of vodka inside, especially after workouts or long walks. “Just let them dry overnight before you wear them again,” Duarte says.

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Closet Shelves

Freshen up your closet and wardrobe with a spritz when switching out your seasonal clothing.

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Gym Equipment

Rolling yoga mat — oatawa / Getty Images

Yoga mats, dumbbells, treadmill handles, and more can all go for a good clean after use. Wipe down after a workout with vodka to kill bacteria and neutralize any potential odor.

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Air Vents

Musty HVAC smells? “A gentle mist on the vent covers can freshen the air without clogging the system,” Duarte says.

Sources

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