14 Surprising Uses for Vodka

Something akin to what we now know as vodka first appeared in Poland in the 11th century. Called gorzalka, the vodka prototypes were used as medicines. By 1534, a treatise on herbs professed that vodka could serve “to increase fertility and awaken lust.” Hot diggity!

Although many still indulge in the “medicinal” benefits of a martini, vodka has a surprising array of alternative uses that can save money and be kinder to the planet than the harsh chemicals it can stand in for. And with so many uses, it makes sense to have one bottle of vodka rather than array of otherwise specific products.

So just what can the versatile vodka do around the house?

1. Febreze without the guilt
If you douse your clothes and home with Febreze to remove odor, you can do the same with vodka…but without the cyclodextrin, and without supporting a company that tests on animals. (I’m talking to you, Proctor & Gamble.) The alcohol in vodka kills bacteria which cause odor, and vodka is basically odorless, as far as booze goes. Spritz your clothes and hang them in a well-ventilated room. (As with any natural remedy, sp0t-test first.)

2. Keep cut flowers fresh
If you’re going to have fresh-cut flowers working hard to brighten up your decor, show some hospitality and give them a little drink. Several drops of vodka and a large pinch of sugar added to the water in your flower vase, changed daily, stunts ethylene production and will extend the vitality of bouquet.

Guidelines for Keeping Your Flowers Fresh

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Melissa Breyer

Melissa Breyer is a writer and editor with a background in sustainable living, specializing in food, science and design. She is the co-author of True Food (National Geographic) and has edited and written for regional and international books and periodicals, including The New York Times Magazine. Melissa lives in Brooklyn, NY.

also by Melissa Breyer

Emma S.

2:06PM PDT on Mar 22, 2012

I'm just off to find some oil to make my hair 'droll': I could do with a good laugh...

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Laurita W.

10:37PM PDT on Mar 21, 2012

Wow! At least I won't have to DRINK that huge bottle of vodka...

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Christine F.

3:04PM PDT on Mar 20, 2012

Haven't read through all the comments to this article, but I'd just love to know how using vodka instead of other cheaper, more easily purchase-able, things is going to help "green-ness".

Personally, I'd rather have the vodka to drink and help me cope with all these confusing complexities!

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Jayne B.

12:04AM PDT on Mar 20, 2012

I had no idea how versatile vodka can be! These are great ideas. Thanks so much for the informative article.

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Sonny H.

7:35PM PDT on Mar 18, 2012

Fantastic suggestions.

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Talya H.

6:46PM PST on Feb 20, 2012

Wow, these are amazing! I am so going to do the shampoo and mouthwash and clothing spray this week! Thanks! Will def be writing all of this down!

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Laura M.

11:22AM PST on Feb 17, 2012

Thanks these are great. Most of these are even better uses than drinking the vodka.
And a personal thank-you from me, for the aside about learning to love the weeds. I wish more people would do this.