Fresh flowers are occasional treats for the many of us. So, if you’re lucky to have a bouquet of flowers or a garden full of blooms, make sure to display these in your home.

Artificial flowers may seem appealing and easy to maintain, but they lack the authenticity and freshness that real flowers bring. Here are some household tricks to keep your cut flowers last longer.

Just a Drop of Soda

While those frizzly drinks may not be healthy for you, they make a good preservation agent. Simply pour about 1/4 cup of soda into the water in a base and then put your flowers. Make sure to use clear soda such as 7-Up or Sprite if you’re using a glass vase or a clear vase.

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A Spritz of Hair Spray

Who would have thought hairspray works on flowers too? As effective as it is in keeping your hair in place, hairspray can also preserve your flowers and keep them from wilting. To apply, spritz underside of the flower’s petals and leaves.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Sugar Mix

No need for harmful chemicals. The perfect ingredients can be found right in your kitchen. Simply add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar in the vase water and then mix them well. This will help your flowers last for several more days.

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Drop Some Vodka

The bacteria in the vase water can hasten the rotting and wilting of the flowers. Keep the water healthy and add some nourishment to it by adding a few drops of vodka or any other clear spirits along with a tablespoon of sugar. Make sure to change the water every few days and refreshing it with vodka and sugar.

Aspirin

This does not only work for headaches but cut flowers as well. Just crush a tablet or two of aspirin and dissolve this in the water you’ll use for your flower.