Surprising Uses for Soft Drinks in Household Cleaning
Soft drinks are not just for drinking; they can also be surprisingly effective cleaning agents. If you have a bottle of soda that's lost its fizz, don't throw it out! Here are eight ways you can use soft drinks to clean various items around your house.
1. Drains
The carbonic acid in soft drinks is excellent for clearing gunk stuck in your drains. However, a flat soda won't work as it lacks the necessary acid. To clean your drain, simply pour a bottle of carbonated soda down the drain and then rinse with warm water.
This method also works for toilets: pouring a bottle of cola down the toilet bowl not only makes it shine but also helps clear any blockages.
2. Pots and Pans
Burning your food isn’t just a waste of food; it can also leave your pots and pans in a terrible state. In some cases, it can seem nearly impossible to clean a pot after burning food in it. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get your pot squeaky clean again.
Pour some cola into the pot or pan and heat it on the stove on low for 15 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be able to clean the pot easily with a scouring sponge.
3. Grease Stains
Did you get a grease stain on your clothes from greasy food, oil, or makeup? Add a can (or a large glass) of transparent soda like Sprite or 7up to your laundry. Wash your clothes as usual (with laundry detergent) and you will notice that the grease stains have disappeared when the clothes come out.
4. Chewing Gum
Accidents happen, and a disproportionate number of them involve chewing gum. If you accidentally get gum stuck in your hair, removing it by hand is nearly impossible. Fill a bowl with cola and soak the strand of hair with the gum in it.
Let it sit for a bit and you’ll be able to remove the gum with ease. You might have to sit in an uncomfortable position for a few minutes, but it beats having gum stuck in your hair!
5. Rust
If your tools have become rusty, fill a bucket or plastic tub with cola and let the tools soak in it for a while. When you take the tools out, they will look much better. Be sure to rinse and dry the tools thoroughly afterwards.
6. Windows and Mirrors
The acids in cola are great for cleaning windows and mirrors. Drench a paper towel in cola and use it to clean the surface. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any residue to avoid a sticky mess.
7. Carpet
Cola is also very effective at removing marker stains from your carpet. Carefully dab a bit of cola onto the stain and it will disappear. However, be careful with light-colored carpets as the dark color of the cola can create a bigger mess.
8. Jewellery
Is your silver jewellery looking dull and dark? Use a soft drink with lemon or lime, like Sprite or 7up. Pour the soda into a bowl and add the jewellery. The carbonic acid and fruit acid will clean your jewellery and make it sparkle again.
Soft drinks are versatile and can be used for more than just quenching your thirst. The next time you have a bottle of soda that’s gone flat, try using it to clean something around your house!
Your Eco-Friendly Household Cleaning Ally
Soft drinks offer a versatile, eco-friendly cleaning solution for various household tasks. From clearing drains to shining jewellery, these beverages can save you time and effort. So, before you toss that flat soda, consider putting it to good use around your home!