9 Surprising Uses for Vodka that Will Blow Your Mind!

Vodka: it’s not just your weekend go-to. Did you know that this versatile booze is also a cure-all of sorts? On top of giving you a nice buzz, it can also leave you with streak-free windows and the crunchiest fried chicken you’ve ever tasted. If you have only been using the stuff in your favorite cocktails, then you really have been missing out!

Here are some of the unexpected things that vodka can do…

1 . It gets foul odors out of towels

As we move into a humid summer, you might be noticing that your towels are smelling less than pristine. To combat this, simply add 1/3 cup of vodka into your washing machine along with your preferred detergent. After the tub fills up, let the towels soak for an hour, then re-start the machine. It doesn’t get easier than that!

2. It keeps fresh-cut flowers beautiful for longer

Did you know that vodka has antibacterial properties? It IS alcohol after all! Because of this, adding a very small amount of the spirit (about one teaspoon per liter of water) will actually kill bacteria that builds up around the vase and on the stems. The easiest way to keep those roses from wilting too soon!

3. It soothes poison ivy reactions

There’s nothing worse than having your nice hike in the woods ruined by some nasty poison ivy. If this happens to you, act quick and pour some vodka on the reaction as soon as possible. By doing this, you can target the effect so that you might just have a fighting chance against those itchy welts and lesions.

4.  It gives a boost to room diffusers

Looking to really punch up the smell of your DIY room diffuser? If so, just add about 1/4 cup of vodka to your next mix. This novel addition will make it so that your chosen essential oils stay at their peak scents for longer.

5. It serves as a key ingredient in homemade extracts

While many popular extract recipes call for bourbons, we find that subbing this ingredient out with vodka makes for a much more palatable flavor profile.

6. It gives homemade ice cream the best consistency

If you make your own ice cream at home, then we bet that you run into the problem of over-freezing quite often. To ensure that your sweet masterpiece of a mixture doesn’t harden-up too soon, just add a tablespoon of vodka into the mix. This simple step will make your treat so much more ‘scooper-friendly’!

7. It makes for the crunchiest fried chicken

What’s the point in bearing the added calories in fried chicken if the skin isn’t crispy? We say, if you are going to eat the stuff, then eat it right! Adding a bit of the cheap vodka into the batter slows the evaporation which, in turn, dehydrates the outside, making for a darker, crispier, more addictive crust.

8. It makes glass surfaces shine

You wouldn’t believe it, but the secret ingredient to the best DIY glass sprays is actually high-proof alcohol! Simply combine a cup of vodka (everclear or white rum works fine too) with 1/4 cup vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of liquid soap. Who would’ve thought?

9. It keeps breath fresh

Believe it or not, adding 9 tablespoons of cinnamon to a cup of cheap vodka makes for one of the most effective breath-freshening mouthwashes around—just be sure to keep this boozy concoction away from the kiddos!

See, vodka really is versatile! Have you tried any of these tips? If so, which one works best? How do you use cheap vodka?

Sometimes you have to let things go.
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