Highlights: 

• Increase interval between washings
• Tip is from Broadway costumer
• Freshen clothes with vodka and water spray
• Ratio is half and half in spray bottle
• More vodka is not better; will stain
• Let dry overnight with good air circulation
• Ask flight attendant for single size bottle vodka, bring small spray bottle

A couple of years ago, several friends and I attended a Broadway Series production of the “Anna and The King of Siam”, featuring large ballgowns on the lead actress, Anna. For those of you who have not had the pleasure to see this production, it is set in Siam (now Thailand) in the mid 1800’s, so the gowns and costumes are stunning. As luck would have it, one of our friends knew one of the actresses in the production. After the show, we went backstage to say “hello”, and visited with one of the costumers while waiting for the actress. The costumer was busy spraying something on the many different the ball gowns which were made of rich silks, satins, and tapestries. When we queried her what she was spraying, she replied, “a mixture of vodka and water. Kills odor causing bacteria, and doesn’t stain the fragile fabrics. It’s a great way to freshen the clothes, because obviously we cannot run these through the clothes washer. This spray leaves the costumes with NO scent, even though the performers have sweated in them all night.” When questioned further, she said the ratio for this miracle clothing recipe is half vodka, and half water in a spray bottle. The vodka can be a cheaper brand. The half and half ratio is important so as not to spot delicate fabrics. More is NOT better in this case.

After a moderate spray front and back, hang the garment for an hour, or at best, overnight, and it will be fresh as new the next morning. Recommend hanging location with good air circulation in hotel, like the shower stall or bathroom, not closet. We have found this costumer hack is great on shirts, slacks, shorts, and dresses when we travel. This trick will allow you to stretch out the interval necessary between finding laundry facilities or services while on the road. We have not used this technique on underwear, as we easily sink wash those items when necessary and dry overnight. In honor of full disclosure, have not yet tried this clothing hack on socks, but plan to experiment with them in the near future.

What we have done many times is when on the flight over, ask the flight attendant for an extra Vodka. We find the small bottles are good to mix the recipe 2 times in the travel size spray bottle we bring. Here is a photo of ours so you can get an idea of the size. It’s a travel size spray bottle we have labeled, and both my husband and I each keep one in our travel toiletries.

Good Luck with the costumer hack on your travels.

Enjoy the journey.