7 instances where Coca-Cola works best as your cleaning aid
For many years, Coca-Cola has been used in various interesting ways (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
Coca-Cola contains high-fructose corn syrup, carbonated water, caffeine, and phosphoric acid. Surprisingly, these ingredients have powerful abilities to assist with household tasks such as cleaning, scrubbing, and laundry. In certain situations, Coca-Cola can be an effective and easier alternative to other chemicals.
Here are seven of the most interesting ways to use this popular soda as a cleaning helper.
Removing rust
Coca-Cola can be a more affordable option for removing rust compared to commercial products, though it works more slowly, requiring some patience. This beverage helps eliminate small rust spots on metal surfaces. To avoid excessive foam, use slightly flat Coke.
For larger items, like chrome bumpers, pour some Coke onto a clean, damp sponge or a folded piece of aluminium foil. For smaller objects like tools or nuts, place them in a container and pour enough Coke to cover them completely. Let it sit for 24 hours, then clean using a non-metallic sponge.
Cleaning pots and pan
Pour Coca-Cola over the burnt areas of pots and pans and let it sit for a few hours. Afterwards, pour the soda down the sink and gently scrub the residue with a plastic scraper or non-abrasive sponge.
This method also effectively removes burnt-on grease, restoring the items to their original shine. If the Coke doesn't fully clean the grime, add a bit more of the drink and sprinkle salt to enhance the cleaning effect.
Fighting grease stains on clothes
The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola can break down dried oil on fabrics. However, it's not advisable to use this method on expensive materials like silk or cashmere -those should be taken to a dry cleaner.
For cotton and polyester fabrics, simply pour Coke directly onto the stain and gently rub it in with a soft toothbrush or sponge. Leave it for 15 minutes, then wash the garment by hand or in a washing machine. If the stain isn't completely gone, repeat the process.
Eliminating insects indoors and outdoors
To deal with fruit flies and other small insects indoors, use an empty Coca-Cola bottle. Cut off about a quarter of the top, flip it upside down, and insert it into the bottom.
Pour about a cup of fresh Coca-Cola into the trap and place it near areas where insects are present. The sweetness of the drink will attract them, and they will either drown or be unable to escape through the narrow opening.
For outdoor insect control, use Coca-Cola to spray on plants. It will attract pests, but not ants. If you have slugs, leave a bowl of Coca-Cola in the garden overnight, and they will drown in the drink.
Cleaning tile grout
Coca-Cola can be used to remove stains from grout between tiles. Pour it onto the grout in the bathroom where soap scum, mold, and dirt have accumulated. You can apply the soda using a spray bottle, sponge, or a clean toothbrush.
Since soda can be sticky, don't use too much. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then wipe it off with soapy water.
Enhancing plant growth
Adding Coca-Cola to a compost pile can speed up the decomposition of organic materials due to its sugars and acidity. Pour a little soda into the compost once a week or into the soil around acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and azaleas. It can also help control weeds.
Odor removal
If there's an unpleasant smell in your home or you have pets, add Coca-Cola along with detergent to a bucket of water and mop the floors. For items that smell like fish or other strong odors, soak them in Coca-Cola and wash them with detergent.
The following sources were used in the preparation of this article: House Digest and Family Handyman.
