When you think of vodka, you’re more than likely reminded of martinis and cocktails. However, it is not just a popular spirit to consume; vodka has a wide range of uses. In fact, historically distilled liquor was mainly used for medicinal purposes up until the 15th century. So if you’re not going to drink it, what other purposes does it have? How can vodka have a positive effect on your life? The following 12 alternative uses will teach you some clever associations for vodka other than parties and hangovers.
1. Shine Your Faucets and Sinks
You need to maintain the fixtures in your home, especially those that are exposed to water. If your faucets aren’t as shiny as they used to be, vodka can help. Simply apply vodka to a cloth and scrub the area. You’ll shine those fixtures up with some moonshine in no time! Vodka works beautifully on glass, chrome, and porcelain.
2. Prolong the Life of Your Razors
After you’ve finished shaving, soak your razors in vodka. This will help disinfect the razor, which is especially recommended for repeated use. Since razors are known to rust, soaking the blades in vodka can also prevent rust from forming.
3. Combat Dandruff
Although there are products that target dandruff, there are a few home remedies too. Dandruff is simply an itchy, persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Vodka helps remove any build-up that may be found on your hair or scalp. In turn, it reduces dandruff and relieves the itch.
Vodka is a great addition to any conditioner or shampoo, as it can help lower the pH of your hair. It helps to seal the cuticle, reducing the look of frizz; resulting in softer, shinier hair. Add approximately one shot to a 12-ounce bottle.
4. Disinfect a Jellyfish Sting
Sure, this may not be something that you encounter every day, but anyone who has been to the ocean knows about the dangers of jellyfish. This remedy could come in handy on holiday, as approximately 150 million stings are reported a year. In Pacific areas, there have been reports of 800 incidents in one day, at one single beach!
When you pour vodka on a jellyfish sting, it helps to disinfect, while eliminating some of the pain. It’s comforting to know that you don’t need to rely on urine for a jellyfish sting. There are of course numerous species of jellyfish, some of which are highly dangerous. If in doubt, go to the hospital.
5. Preserve Your Flowers
It appears as though flowers like to have a little drink of vodka here and there as well. The next time you receive some beautiful flowers, add a splash of vodka to the water. It is often said that vodka helps preserve flowers because of its antimicrobial properties.
It is also said that a few drops of vodka in your vase water inhibit ethylene. This is gas plants emit in order to blossom. When this process is inhibited and the production reduced, flowers stay fresher, longer.
6. Treat Poison Ivy
Nothing is worse than going on a camping trip and walking through a patch of poison ivy. To avoid the uncomfortable and irritating reaction, pour vodka on your skin. The sooner you can administer vodka, the better. It helps to wash away the itchy oil that creates a reaction.
7. Kill and Eliminate Mold
If you’re a homeowner, you’ve may have had to deal with mold around the house. If you want to avoid harsh cleaners that are packed with toxins, give vodka a try. The alcohol helps kill mold and mildew, so you can safely remove it.
Simply fill a spray bottle with vodka and spray directly onto the affected area. After 15-30 minutes, wipe away the mold with a soft cloth. You may need to repeat this process in areas with a lot of molds. After the mold is killed and removed, clean the area with water. It’s best to rinse away the vodka thoroughly, especially if you have children or pets.
8. Remove Stains
Many stain removers are extremely harsh in terms of your health and the environment. If you have a stain on the carpet, on fabrics, or on the upholstery, vodka can provide an easy solution. If you’ve spilled some red wine, no problem. Vodka can help combat the stain.
If the stain just occurred, blot it with a soft cloth. This will absorb excess liquid. Then, put vodka on the cloth and blot it once again. Do not scrub, as this can cause the stain to increase in size. Leave the vodka cloth on the stain for a good two minutes or so. Let it dry and repeat if needed.
9. Clean Jewelry
Vodka can clean and shine any kind of silver or stone-studded piece. You can either use a vodka-soaked napkin to wipe your jewelry or soak your earrings and necklaces for a few minutes. This trick will get them sparkling and clean without having to use a toxic cleaner.
10. Effective Bug Repellent
No one wants to get bit by insects, especially when the bite become itchy and irritated. There are many bug repellents available, but most are full of chemicals. In order to keep bugs away naturally, try vodka.
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For the best results, use pure vodka. Since some vodkas are infused with flavor and sugar, these would essentially work against you. Spray some vodka on your skin before you go outside. This will keep away bees, ants, and mosquitos.
Depending on the setting, you may want to add some sort of scent to your homemade vodka repellent. For a nice fresh scent, add a few basil leaves to your spray bottle. Lavender is another great choice, as it works as a repellent against mosquitos by itself.
11. Cleanse Your Face
You can use vodka to cleanse your face while tightening your pores. Luckily vodka doesn’t have much of a smell. If you were to dab whiskey on your face, you may feel differently about this suggestion. If you run out of astringent, you can rely on vodka to do the trick.
A great face cleansing solution consists of green tea and vodka. Brew a mug of green tea and add approximately one ¼ teaspoon of vodka. If you add too much vodka, you risk drying out your skin. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and cleanse your face. The green tea helps soothe skin, while the alcohol tightens and cleanses.
