Thread: Cleaning mix - vodka or isopropyl or something else?

So I've been using an isopropyl alchohol and water mix misted on my costume to attempt a de-stink after a night in a smokey joint, but I was wondering if vodka is a better choice or some other alcohol...any preffered brand of vodka?

I just use a mixture of vodka and water and misted it on a costume. On one costume, I skipped the water all together and used vodka. When the vodka dried, the costume smelled like I never danced in it ..l;,

I haven't tried isopropyl alchohol and water mix before.

Unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure what brand of vodka I used. But I vaguely remember using Absolute. I just get a nip size for a costume but there were times I needed more! I have costumes with a lot of velvet ..g.:

You can try grain alcohol as well. Probably the higher alcohol content the better so that the "fragrances" evaporate better.

I've used Febreze for the longest time and it seems to work just fine.

I use half vodka and half water and it works just loverly.

The "vodka and water" mix is basically the Febreeze without the extra scent. (Since I get as many of my household products in the no scent/fragrance free variety, I definitely don't like the over powering odor of Febreeze.) I've been using v&w for years! It works wonders at removing pet urine odors, and it doesn't do too badly on stinky dancer sweat either. As long as you are using plain vodka (no flavorings) it doesn't matter what brand you use as they all work the same, so I go for the cheap brands my own self - Heaven Hill or Nikolai (or something like that). The thing is that it has to be a clear/no-color alcohol with no real discernable scent. The very little odor that vodka does have dissipates quickly.

If you'd like a subtle scent, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence (real not artificial) to your alcohol, whatever kind of alcohol you use... Another option is to add some baking soda to the alcohol solution, it's a natural de-stinker...

the alcohol/vodka doesn't discolor your rhinestones/sequin?

When I've used the half vodka and half water misture on costumes, I've only sprayed the inside of the costume and tried to avoid the rhinestones and sequin for fear of damage.

Higher alcohol content is better, huh? Has anyone tried Everclear?

I do 2 parts vodka and one part water. And I get the rot gut cheap stuff.

There is a side benefit to getting the cheap stuff: when the 17 year old decides to raid the liquor cabinet and that is the only thing in it, they aren't interested in drinking!

{{{HUGS}}}

Never tried everclear...hmmm...that's an interesting suggestion.

I have heard that vodka/water works. Plus alcohol kills germs, so I guess we're sterilizing the costumes as well.

What proportions of vodka and water do you use?

Originally Posted by adiemusfree

If you'd like a subtle scent, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence (real not artificial) to your alcohol, whatever kind of alcohol you use... Another option is to add some baking soda to the alcohol solution, it's a natural de-stinker...

Hey, now we have another reason to buy vanilla vodka!