Does Vodka really help with doing the laundry?

Alice Robinson, who writes for Daily Mail has put this question to the test.

THE CLAIM:

You can freshen up clothes by spraying them with vodka. 

 

The theory is the alcohol works in much the same way as sanitising hand gels and kills odour-causing bacteria.

DOES IT WORK? 

Alice says in her article that "As the children’s sports day approaches, I realise most of my summer dresses smell musty thanks to them hiding in the wardrobe all winter.

I choose one I’m not too fond of — just in case this experiment goes horribly wrong — hunt down a water pistol and spray the dress from top to bottom with neat vodka.

Initially, it reeks of booze, though I suppose it masks the musty smell. I hang it over a door and return an hour later.

It smells much fresher — but this may be in part because it has been hanging outside the wardrobe. I would be wary of doing this on delicate material."

Luckily, she has a laundry Guru Steve Anderton at her disposal. 

STEVE’S VERDICT: 

Vodka has some benefit in removing stains because it penetrates grease very slightly, but it may affect colour on delicate fabrics such as silk. You’re better off using something like Febreze, which chemically neutralises the odour and is proven to work.

PERSONALLY:

I think it would be a waste of good vodka to try :)

AND WHAT DOES THE INTERNET HAVE TO SAY?

THE CLAIM: You can freshen up clothes by spraying them with vodka.