This Bar Favorite Might Be The Answer To Deep Clean Smelly Pillows

There's no better way to confuse family members early on a weekend morning of cleaning than to pull out a bottle of vodka. While Bloody Marys are definitely considered a breakfast drink by brunch standards, your voddie could actually be harboring the secret to fresher pillows. So while the general confusion might last for a minute, once your loved ones notice their de-funked pillows, no one will question your methods from there on out. To give this hack a try, you will only need some vodka (either from your bar cart, pantry, or you can snag a small bottle at the store), some water, and a spray bottle. You won't be using much of the actual liquor, so if you prefer not to keep alcohol in the house, you could even buy the single shots for your cleaning needs and skip the leftovers completely. This spray can help deodorize and clean your pillows quickly and efficiently!

As with any home remedy, results can vary, and it's important to understand "drinking" vodka's (or any sipping alcohol's) limitations. Your standard bottle used for cocktails only contains around 40%, and the CDC recommends 60% or above to really rid items of viruses and bacteria. However, vodka still contains a high level of alcohol, which can freshen linens and rid them of bad odors. If you prefer to use products that aren't filled with superficial scents, swapping out this mixture could help keep your pillows in better condition for longer.

To get your vodka cleaning combination, you want to add one part vodka to three parts water. This can be half a cup, a full cup, or any measurement you need, depending on how many pillows you want to clean. Once you've mixed in your vodka and water, you can either add in a few drops of essential oils for scent, or stick with the simple mixture you've made. Spray both sides of your pillows, ensuring they don't get super saturated. This should be added directly to the pillow without the case on it. Just a gentle spray or mist will do, then you can use a clean towel to blot at the surface. This will help remove excess liquid while also helping remove odors and freshen the material up.

Blotting is essential to your hack, otherwise you could be left with a stronger alcohol smell which could be off-putting or too overwhelming. The vodka alone is said to work to help keep your pillow clean, but you should still be washing your pillows at least every six months, if not every three. Next time you need a refresh between washes, head to your bar for a trick that helps keep your pillows fresh! This clever use for vodka around the house might become your go-to for linens, too!