Trying to decide between rubbing alcohol and vodka for cleaning?

It's a no brainer. Rubbing alcohol is better than vodka for cleaning. But if you are just curious about how these two stack up against each other - this post is for you.

I’ll compare rubbing alcohol vs vodka against a number of different factors to give you an idea.

#1 Alcohol Content

This is the big one. The higher the percentage, the stronger the disinfecting power.

Rubbing alcohol, usually sold in 70% or 90% concentrations, is packed with isopropyl alcohol. This makes it a heavy hitter in the cleaning department.

Vodka, on the other hand, is usually around 40% alcohol.

So, even though it’s still alcoholic, it’s much less concentrated than rubbing alcohol. That means it doesn’t pack the same punch when it comes to cleaning.

The lower alcohol content in vodka makes it less effective cleaning.

#2 Effectiveness

In terms of cleaning, rubbing alcohol really shines.

It’s great at dissolving oils, grime, and sticky residues. It dries quickly and doesn’t leave much of a trace behind. It’s excellent for cleaning electronics, glass, and even disinfecting surfaces.

You can trust rubbing alcohol to get things clean and sanitized without leaving too much mess.

Vodka is effective in certain areas, but it’s more of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It can clean up spills or light messes, but it’s not as powerful as rubbing alcohol.

In short: rubbing alcohol works faster and better on most things. But vodka can still clean some spots if that’s all you have on hand.

#3 Disinfecting And Sanitizing Power

Rubbing alcohol is better at both disinfecting and sanitizing than vodka.

Rubbing alcohol, especially the 70% concentration, is excellent for disinfecting.

The alcohol concentration is high enough to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi which makes it a great choice for sanitizing surfaces around your home. It’s a trusted ingredient in many household disinfectant wipes and sprays.

And because it evaporates quickly, it leaves your surfaces clean and dry without a sticky residue.

Vodka, though, doesn’t have the same disinfecting properties.

Sure, it has alcohol, but at only 40%, it doesn’t cut it when it comes to sanitizing. It might kill a few germs here and there, but it’s not as reliable or potent as rubbing alcohol.

Also Read: Brown Stains On Clothes After Washing

#4 Surface Safety

Vodka, being a little gentler with a lower alcohol content, is safe for most surfaces.

It won’t leave marks or streaks, and it’s less likely to cause any harm compared to rubbing alcohol. People even use vodka to clean wood furniture or countertops without worrying about it causing damage.

However, since vodka doesn’t have the same power as rubbing alcohol, you might need to be a bit more thorough when cleaning.

Rubbing alcohol does a great job of cleaning without damaging most materials too. It’s safe for glass, stainless steel, and even some fabrics. That said, you still want to test it on a small spot if you’re using it on more delicate items, just to be sure.

#5 Smell

Ah, the smell. This is one area where vodka has the upper hand, and it’s not even close.

Rubbing alcohol has a strong, sometimes harsh smell that can linger for a while after cleaning. It’s a bit medicinal and can give you a headache if you’re in an enclosed space.

Some people can’t stand it, but others don’t mind too much.

Vodka, however, has a much more neutral scent. You might catch a faint alcohol smell at first, but it’s not nearly as overpowering as rubbing alcohol.

Plus, since vodka is often used in cleaning, you’re more likely to find it in scents that mask that alcohol aroma.

It’s a nice bonus if you don’t want your entire house smelling like a hospital.

Also Check Out Our: Sanitizing services

#6 Prices

Rubbing alcohol is a LOT cheaper than vodka.

You can pick up a large bottle of rubbing alcohol for just a couple of bucks, and it will last you a long time, especially if you use it primarily for cleaning.

Vodka, however, isn’t as cheap. A bottle of decent vodka, even the lower-end brands, will cost you a lot more than rubbing alcohol.

And let’s face it, unless you’re using it for something like cleaning or DIY projects, that bottle of vodka is better off being enjoyed in a cocktail than sitting in your cleaning cabinet.

Should I Get Vodka Or Rubbing Alcohol?

You should get rubbing alcohol for cleaning.

It’s stronger, works quickly, more effective, and will get the job done without too much fuss.

But if you’re in a pinch and you have vodka sitting around, it’s not a terrible substitute. Just don’t expect it to replace your trusty bottle of rubbing alcohol anytime soon!

Bottom Line

The main difference between rubbing alcohol and vodka is that rubbing alcohol is better at everything than vodka. It's stronger, effective and cheaper. The only thing vodka has better is a good smell. You should only use vodka if you can’t get some rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing Alcohol Vs Vodka For Cleaning