Reader Tip: Do You Clean with Vodka?

We had a question not too long ago about cleaning diamonds with vodka -- but what about cleaning other things?

Re-nest reader Marie recently had some serious success cleaning a stove with vodka. Here's what she had to say on the topic:

I just moved into a new house (1955 new) and the burners on the range were deeply encrusted in YEARS of grease and grime, black as can be. Nothing seemed to get it off. Not simple green, not vinegar, not even the chemicals. But I found out a solution that did work, Vodka. I mixed Vodka and Borax together and it worked almost immediately. I did use a bamboo skewer to get it the edges and had to use some elbow grease. But Vodka is a great natural cleaner and it has very little odor to it.

We definitely don't mind drinking vodka, but we've never cleaned with it .... have you? Please share your success stories below!

image via mnpix;flickr.com

Comments (9)

i read an article somewhere online that listed lots of uses for vodka....so as a result i use it as an air freshener / deodorizer ( w water to dilute and essential oil), in my shampoo (helps hair growth (not sure i believe it) but also gets hair cleaner, i think), and to keep my razor soaking to keep the blade clean.

her mix sounds like a good idea....but i tend to avoid borax because i figure i'll hurt myself somehow. i stick with baking soda and other nontoxic items.

posted by beesknees on October 13th 2008 at 3:18pm
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here it is:

http://www.gomestic.com/Homemaking/10-Top-Legal-Things-to-Do-If-You-Find-Yourself-Holding-a-Bottle-of-Vodka.190799

posted by beesknees on October 13th 2008 at 3:19pm
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100 proof McCormick's worked great to remove paint splatters from my linoleum kitchen floor

posted by mrfriesen1 on October 13th 2008 at 3:44pm
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I use 70% ethanol to remove sharpie marks from glassware, ink marks from my hand when I write on it, and to surface sterilize stuff. Most vodka has less ethanol in it, but it might still work.

posted by sciencegeek on October 13th 2008 at 5:32pm
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Is there any reason Vodka would be better than rubbing alcohol?

posted by Plaid Ninja on October 14th 2008 at 5:06am
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My question too, PN.

I believe borax is nontoxic.

posted by whytephoenix on October 14th 2008 at 6:30am
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I LOVE cleaning with vodka! It deodorizes and does not have the nasty smell of rubbing alcohol (plus if you ingest it you won't go blind!)

It works particularly well in a solution with water sprayed on my tiles/grout to kill mold and other yucky shower growth.

posted by Carder on October 15th 2008 at 11:47am
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what are you doing in there? cleaning again??!

posted by Haunted_Studio on October 17th 2008 at 11:36am
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maybe if you ingest borax in smaller amounts it is "non-toxic" (as long as you don't suck down the whole box) but it is very irritating to skin, eyes, and your lungs if you decide to clean with it, just as an FYI. and i'm not sure what sort of chemical reaction you're up against (if any) when you mix it with alcohol, but at 200:15 (alcohol to borax respectively, as most people recommend) it shouldn't be that huge of an issue.

like i said though- i don't recommend ingesting it, or even making direct contact with it- really, wear gloves, and if in a small space, a mask. (for crying out loud- i use it to kill ants!!!)

posted by veronicainla on December 22nd 2008 at 4:37pm
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