Coca-Cola isn’t just a refreshing drink—it’s also a surprisingly effective cleaning agent. This fizzy beverage has been a staple in households for over a century, but many people don’t know its hidden cleaning powers. From removing tough stains to polishing metal surfaces, Coke can easily tackle various household chores. In this blog post, I’ll share 13 clever cleaning hacks using Coca-Cola to make your life easier.
1. Clean toilet bowls

To clean a toilet bowl, pour a can of Coke in and let it sit for an hour. The acids in the soda will work to break down stains and mineral buildup, making them easier to remove. After the hour is up, give the bowl a good scrub with a toilet brush. Flush to reveal a sparkling clean toilet, especially effective against those tough hard water stains.
2. Remove rust from metal
Coca-Cola can be a rust-buster for your metal items. Soak rusty tools or bolts in the soda overnight, letting the phosphoric acid in Coke dissolve the rust. You’ll find the rust much easier to scrub off in the morning. After cleaning, rinse the items with water and dry them well to prevent new rust from forming.
3. Degrease engine parts
Coke can be a cheap alternative to expensive degreasers for cleaning car parts. Soak greasy components in a pan of Coke for a few hours, letting the soda cut through tough grease and grime. After soaking, you should find the grime much easier to wipe away. Remember to rinse the parts with water and dry them completely before reinstalling them to prevent any sticky residue from interfering with their function.
4. Remove carpet stains
Fresh carpet stains can often be lifted with the help of Coca-Cola. Blot the stain with a cloth soaked in Coke, allowing the carbonation and acids to help lift the stain from carpet fibers. After treating with Coke, rinse the area with clean water and blot dry to remove any sticky residue. Always test this method on a hidden spot first to ensure it won’t affect the carpet’s color.
5. Descale kettles and coffee makers
Mineral buildup in kettles and coffee makers can affect their performance, but Coke can help. Run a cycle with equal parts Coke and water through your coffee maker, or boil a mixture of Coke and water in your kettle. The acids in the soda will work to remove the mineral buildup inside these appliances. After treatment, rinse thoroughly with clean water before using it again to remove any soda residue.
6. Clean burnt pans
Don’t throw out that burnt pan just yet- try cleaning it with Coke first. Pour the soda into the burnt pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes on the stove. The carbonation and acids in Coke will help loosen burnt-on food, making it easier to scrub away. After the pan has cooled, scrub it clean and wash as usual – you might be surprised at how much of the burnt material comes off.
7. Polish car chrome
Your car’s chrome trim can regain its shine with a Coca-Cola treatment. Apply the soda to car chrome using a soft cloth, letting its mild acidity work on removing road grime and restoring the chrome’s natural luster. After cleaning, be sure to rinse the chrome well with water to remove any sticky residue. Dry the chrome thoroughly to prevent water spots and enjoy your car’s refreshed shiny appearance.
8. Remove oil stains from concrete
Coke can be an effective cleaner for stubborn oil stains on concrete. Pour the soda over the stain and let it sit for a few hours, allowing its acidic properties to break down the oil. Then, scrub the area with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly with a hose. For older, set-in stains, you may need to repeat the process, but patience can lead to a much cleaner driveway or garage floor.
9. Clean glass windows
Coke can be an unexpected ally in cleaning glass windows. Wipe the glass with a cloth dampened with the soda, using its carbonation to help break down dirt and grime. Follow up by wiping with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sticky residue left behind by the soda. Finish by buffing the window with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine that rivals commercial glass cleaners.
10. Remove marker stains
To tackle marker stains on fabric, try soaking the affected area in Coke for about 30 minutes. The soda’s composition can help break down permanent marker ink, loosening it from the fabric fibers. After soaking, wash the item as you normally would to remove the loosened ink. This method works best on fresh stains and lighter-colored fabrics, potentially saving clothing items from permanent marker mishaps.
11. Shine pennies
Coke can give dull pennies a new sparkle in just a few minutes. Soak the tarnished coins in a bowl of Coke, letting the soda’s acid work on the copper surface. After a short soak, rinse the pennies with water and dry them thoroughly to reveal their restored shine. This simple process doubles as a fun and educational science experiment for kids, demonstrating the effects of acidic solutions on metals.
12. Clean hair brushes
Hair brushes can accumulate product buildup and oils over time, but Coke can help restore them. Soak your brushes in a bowl of Coke for about 30 minutes, allowing the soda to dissolve the buildup. After soaking, rinse the brushes thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of soda and dissolved grime. Let the brushes air dry, and you’ll find they work better and look cleaner.
13. Clean outdoor furniture
Coca-Cola can be a handy cleaner for grimy outdoor furniture. Spray the soda on plastic or metal furniture and let it sit for a few minutes to start breaking down dirt and grime. Then, scrub the surface with a brush to remove stubborn dirt, mildew, and stains. Finish by rinsing thoroughly with a hose to reveal cleaner, brighter patio furniture that’s ready for your next outdoor gathering.
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