10 Surprising Hacks for Using Coca-Cola Around the House

No matter what you call it—Coke, soda, pop, or cola—we won’t dive into the naming debate. However, a bottle of Coca-Cola, or a similar soft drink, can be surprisingly useful at home. It can help remove stains, eliminate odors, and even loosen rusted parts.

What makes Cola such a powerful tool?

Phosphoric acid and citric acid are the key players here. Phosphoric acid is effective at dissolving rust and cutting through grease, while citric acid is widely recognized for its ability to combat bacteria and tackle stains and odors. The carbonation in soda adds a bit of extra power, enhancing its cleaning potential.

While cola won’t outperform specialized cleaners or rust removers, it can serve as a quick fix when you’re in a bind—just reach into the fridge for a can.

The small dose of phosphoric acid in a can of Coca-Cola can actually convert iron oxide into iron phosphate. It works its way into tiny gaps and threads, loosening stubborn bolts that were previously stuck fast. Coca-Cola can also be used to clean rusty tools—while it’s not as powerful as commercial rust removers, it’s a clever workaround when you’re short on options.

This method can even be applied to cleaning rust off cast iron cookware.

Neutralize Skunk Odor

If your dog ends up on the wrong side of a skunk encounter, Coca-Cola can help neutralize the odor. The phosphoric acid in the soda helps break down the sulfur compounds responsible for the intense smell. To use it, pour one or two large bottles over your pet, work it thoroughly into their fur, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After that, rinse them off with soap and water. You might need to repeat the process a few times to fully get rid of the odor.

This method also works on clothes—just soak the affected items in Coke before tossing them in the wash.

Bug Control

Surprisingly, Coca-Cola can be effective for pest control, though not in the way you’d expect. The sugary syrup in Coke and other soft drinks draws ants, which in turn feed on the larvae of crop-damaging insects. According to a 2004 BBC News report, some farmers in India began using soft drinks as a low-cost alternative to traditional pesticides due to their affordability and accessibility.

Gum Remover

Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, which helps break down the gum’s sticky properties. By soaking the gum-covered hair or fabric in Coke for a few minutes, the residue loses its grip, making it much easier to remove.

Compost Invigorator

If your compost pile is slow to break down, a splash of Coca-Cola can give it a helpful boost. The citric acid in the soda accelerates the decomposition process and draws in beneficial microorganisms that aid in breaking down organic matter.

Lawn Care

According to Wise Bread, an unconventional lawn tonic made from a can of Coca-Cola, a can of beer, ½ cup of dish soap, ½ cup of household ammonia, and ½ cup of mouthwash can help keep your grass green and healthy. In this mix, the cola and beer feed beneficial microbes, the soap helps the solution soak into the soil, and the ammonia encourages growth.

That said, using a standard fertilizer is usually more reliable—and it’s what I’d recommend for the best results.

Remove Marker Stains

Coca-Cola will help remove permanent marker stains and pen marks. Soak the stain and scrub to remove it.

Chrome Cleaner

Using Coca-Cola to clean chrome is a well-known trick, especially when paired with aluminum foil. Simply pour the soda over the chrome surface and gently scrub with the foil to remove grime and rust. However, keep in mind that this method is only effective on chrome—it won’t work on nickel surfaces.

Fix a Clogged Drain

Coca-Cola can act as a temporary solution for clogged drains, as its acidity helps dissolve the buildup inside pipes. However, be aware that it may leave behind a sticky, syrupy residue, which means additional cleaning might be necessary afterward.