11 Apr 2026 8 Household Uses for Vodka That Go Beyond Your Bar Cart
This staple spirit isn’t just for cocktails.
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Vodka isn’t just a bar cart staple. The transparent spirit has multiple non-consumption-based home uses that’ll finish off a bottle without mixing up a martini. In fact, the common liquor, distilled from grains or potatoes, can be a natural alternative to many synthetic cleaning products and an inexpensive, shelf-stable swap in a pinch.
Below, learn how to use vodka for cleaning and the unexpected household uses for the spirit.
Meet The Expert
Robin Murphy, president of Maid Brigade in White Plains, NY
01. 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.
02. 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.”
03. 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.
04. 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.
05. 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.