With the cost of living continuing to bite, more of us are trying to save some dosh by making use of what we can find in our own pantries. While canned beans and dried peas are definitely having their moment right now, there’s another ingredient lurking in the back of your cupboard that might be well worth digging out, too – cheap vodka.

Don’t worry – we’re not suggesting that you start day-drinking to ease your financial woes. And nor are we talking about cooking with it, although it’s certainly good for that – vodka can be used to make an easy limoncello, a killer pasta sauce or even a tiramisu. No, this time we’re thinking about something a little more practical: the housework.

Wait… what?

While getting drunk before you scrape out those gunky bits from underneath your fridge might make things more fun, there are other ways that vodka can help keep your home as neat as a pin without any need for a hangover the next day. See, vodka actually makes for a pretty handy all-purpose cleaning agent.

Yup. It turns out you can use that budget flask to clean your house from top to bottom – just pop it in a spray bottle and get to work. You can either use the vodka neat (no ice, thanks) or with a 1:1 water-to-vodka ratio.

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So what can I use it for?

Vodka can cut through grease and grime on your stovetop or kitchen counter, remove soap scum from shower stalls or deliver a streak-free finish on mirrors and windows. Clean your chopping boards by giving them a good spray, letting them sit for a minute and then rinsing them off. Or shine up those chrome tap fittings by spraying with vodka and buffing with a clean cloth.

But the good times don’t end there. Pour some straight voddy down the toilet once a month to keep rings at bay, or chuck half a cup into the washing machine with your regular detergent to freshen up musty towels or bed linen.

You can also spritz some vodka on your T-shirts to neutralise underarm odours. And speaking of smelly things, vodka can even tackle a stinky pair of sneakers – just give the insides a good misting, leave the shoes to dry and the next day, you’ll be allowed to bring them back in the house again.

Your handy vodka spray can even help with removing annoying sticky labels, while Sotheby’s suggests using vodka to clean your diamonds, darling. Plus, if your spirit is strong enough (at least 70%), you can use it to disinfect pretty much anything, from doorknobs to mattresses.

Vodka or vinegar – which is better?

Vinegar is often touted as the ultimate natural cleaner, but it can leave a sour smell behind, and no one wants their house smelling like feet. Vodka, on the other hand, is odourless when it dries. However, if you like a nice fragrance after you’ve cleaned, just add a few drops of essential oil and вуаля! You’ve got a spotless home that smells delightful.

Related story: 5 other uses for gin besides, you know, drinking it