Try A Cleaning Cocktail

Cocktail shaker with vodka and lemons.

When cleaning tasks are at hand, go ahead and reach for a bottle of vodka. Yes, you read that right.

No, it's not happy hour ... yet. It's time to stir up the housekeeping routine and try a cleaning cocktail.

Shaken or stirred, vodka is a perfect cleaning solution for the chemically sensitive. It is also an excellent degreaser with the added benefit of being both odorless and colorless. 

Although most forms of vodka contain alcohol concentrations too low to be considered an effective disinfectant (around 40 percent versus the minimum 70 percent needed), you can take advantage of that leftover vodka from your last party and use it as an all-purpose cleaner. 

Try A Cleaning Cocktail for Grease and Grime

So the next time you need to show that grimy tub or crumby countertop who's boss, stir up a "cleaning cocktail."

You can use vodka by itself or create a cleaning solution using a 1:1 vodka-water mix. To use:

  • Dip a sponge or rag in the vodka cleaning solution, apply to the surface to be cleaned, and wipe off. You can also put the solution in a spray bottle for easy spritzing and cleaning.
  • To keep those unsightly toilet rings from forming, pour a half cup of vodka into the bowl monthly. Let it sit overnight if possible, and flush to clean. While you're there, wipe down the seat and lid.
  • To add a fresh citrus scent, fill a spray bottle with vodka, drop in some lemon or orange peels, and let it sit. The citric acid in orange peels will be dissolved by the vodka, further boosting vodka's cleaning might.

No need to break out the Belvedere or Grey Goose here - the cheap stuff works just as well as the top-shelf bottles - for less.


You Might Like These:

  • Everything I know about housekeeping I learned from what I tell my kids shows how following your own advice can keep your home in tip-top shape.

    Everything I Know About Housekeeping

    Everything I know about housekeeping I learned from what I tell my kids shows how following your own advice can keep your home in tip-top shape.

  • Cleaning brass is easy to do at home, thanks to the built-in germicidal and antimicrobial components. These bright ideas for cleaning brass can bring back the sassy shine you love.

    Bright Ideas for Cleaning Brass

    Cleaning brass is easy to do at home, thanks to the built-in germicidal and antimicrobial components. These bright ideas for cleaning brass can bring back the sassy shine you love.

  • How to clean lamps and light fixtures to allow your home to get all that expensive wattage you're paying for. Here's how to safely clean lamps and lamp shades.

    How to Clean Lamps and Shades

    How to clean lamps and light fixtures to allow your home to get all that expensive wattage you're paying for. Here's how to safely clean lamps and lamp shades.

  • How to clean your phone, tablet, and other touchscreens.

    How to Clean Your Phone

    How to clean your phone, tablet, and other touchscreens.

  • The reason why we often get colds during the winter is not because of the weather. Being indoors plays a part. Here's how to prevent colds at home.

    How to Prevent Colds

    The reason why we often get colds during the winter is not because of the weather. Being indoors plays a part. Here's how to prevent colds at home.

  • Easy spring cleaning shortcuts. Does spring cleaning still have a place in households today? Absolutely, no matter how busy you are. These spring cleaning shortcuts can help you get it all done in less time.

    Easy Spring Cleaning Shortcuts

    Easy spring cleaning shortcuts. Does spring cleaning still have a place in households today? Absolutely, no matter how busy you are. These spring cleaning shortcuts can help you get it all done in less time.

  • Here's the home cleaning routine that works

    The Home Cleaning Routine

    Here's the home cleaning routine that works

  • Vacuuming secrets to success: Here ares the best ways to clean carpet so that you can get the dirty job done right  - and teach the kids to do the same.

    Vacuuming Secrets to Success

    Vacuuming secrets to success: Here ares the best ways to clean carpet so that you can get the dirty job done right - and teach the kids to do the same.