Coca-Cola: 8 Curious Household Uses

Did you know that Coca-Cola can be one of your greatest allies in the fight against tough-to-shift stains? And what's more, not only does it bust stains, but it's also less aggressive on fabrics than other chemicals

Coca-Cola is the most popular soft drink in the world. Despite the frequent warnings that have been issued about its harmful effects on our health, it continues to be a firm favorite among of millions of people. Maybe the countless curious household uses for Coca-Cola contribute to its popularity as well.

The problem is that excessive intake can cause serious health problems. This is because it contains high levels of sugar, as well as other additives that are harmful to your metabolic health.

As a result, mega-fans of the fizzy drink are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes and other dangerous disorders that affect their quality of life.

But putting aside its negative impact on the body, it does have some great and less-known good points. If you choose not to drink it, you may want to know that it can still be a great ally when it comes to household chores. 

So although we wouldn’t recommend drinking Coca-Cola, many of its compounds do help to perform a number of different domestic tasks.

Ready to find out the best household uses for Coca-Cola?

Household uses for Coca-Cola

1. Rust Cleaner

The phosphoric acid contained in Coca-Cola makes this product a great solution to clean the rust that tends to form on and around nuts, bolts, and batteries. In fact, phosphoric acid is a substance that’s found on the ingredient labels of many commercial rust removers.

But make sure you bear in mind that, since the drink is so high in sugar, it’s likely to leave sticky residues after cleaning.

How to use it

• Dip the rusted elements in a container filled with coca-cola and leave them overnight.
• The next morning, remove and wipe off any excess with a damp cloth and some polish.

2. Stain remover

Coca-cola is clearly not a 100% environmentally friendly product. However, it’s still much more gentle than many of the chemical stain removers offered in stores. Combining coca-cola with the detergent you regularly use can help remove stains, even those that are deeply ingrained.

How to use it

• Pour some coke into one of the compartments of your washing machine, and start the normal cycle.
• The carbonic and phosphoric acids present in the drink will act on the stain, and will also leave the fabric softer.

3. Glass cleaner

Coca-cola contains small amounts of citric acid, making it a great thing to have on hand when you’re cleaning glass surfaces and mirrors.

How to use it

• Moisten a clean cloth with a small amount of coke, and rub it over the glass area you want to clean.

4. Fat remover

Grease residues that accumulate on kitchen surfaces can often be tough to get rid of. This is the case even if you use store-bought detergent. However, one of our favorite uses for coke is mixing it with a detergent you already have. This way, we get a multi-purpose product that will make this task a breeze.

How to use it

• Combine a small amount of coke with detergent or liquid soap. Then rub it over the areas you want to clean.
• Leave it on to act for 5 minutes.
• Lastly, remove the excess with a damp sponge.

5. Getting chewing gum out of hair

Getting a piece of chewing gum stuck in your hair has to be one of the worst nightmares. But if you’re feeling desperate, put those scissors down! Before resorting to just cutting out the whole lock, why not try this intriguing trick with coca-cola?

How to use it

• Apply coke to the affected area of the hair and allow it to act for several minutes.
• Then, simply slide the gum out to remove it.

6. Pot and pan degreaser

The remains of grease and food that stick to the surfaces of the pans and pots often end up giving them an aged and dirty look. To get your pans back to their original shine and remove that built-up stickiness, use a little of this drink during cleaning.

How to use it

• Before washing problematic pots and pans, put a small amount of coke in the bottom and place them on the stove to heat up.
• Then just rinse with your regular washing-up liquid.
• Rub them with a sponge until the dirt disappears.

7. Pesticide for your garden

In many parts of the world, this drink is used as a favorite alternative to the aggressive pesticides that many growers use to keep their crops free of insects and pests. Although it’s not 100% natural, it’s still far less harmful than other chemicals… and cheaper to boot!

How to use it

• Sprinkle a little coke on the areas of your garden where there tend to be large numbers of insects.
• You can also pour the drink into a few small bowls or plates, and place them in strategic spots around the garden.

8. Toilet cleaner

The limescale stains that inevitably build up in your toilet bowl can be busted in a breeze using just a little of this common drink. Its acids help to effectively remove the substances that cause the stains, giving your toilet a whiter and more hygienic appearance.

How to use it

• Pour the liquid over the limescale stains, and leave it to work for at least an hour.
• After this time, scrub the area with a toilet brush and rinse as usual.

So, are you ready to try out these household uses for coca-cola? Although drinking this beverage can be harmful to your health, having a bottle at home can help you out with any number of household tasks.

So, give it a try whenever you’re beset by any of the problems that were laid out above. You’ll see the surprising effects for yourself.