The sugary, carbonated beverage is surprisingly useful for DIYers.
10 Surprising Hacks for Using Coca-Cola Around the House
Published on Apr. 18, 2025
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Loosen Rusty Bolts
The little amount of phosphoric acid in a can of Coca-Cola contains can turn iron oxide into iron phosphate. The acid seeps into the cracks and crevices, making it easier to twist off a bolt that once seemed impossible to remove. You could also use Coca-Cola to clean up rusty tools. This isn’t going to work as well as your typical rust remover, but it’s a nice hack if you’re in a pinch.
You can even use this trick to clean rusty cast iron pans.
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Neutralize Skunk Odor
If your dog comes out on the losing end of an encounter with a skunk, you can clean them up with some Coca-Cola. The phosphoric acid in the beverage helps break down the sulfuric compounds that make a skunk’s spray so pungent. To clean your pet, pour a big bottle or two of soda on them, lathering it and working into their fur. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, wash them down with soap and water. You may have to repeat the process a few times to completely eliminate the skunk smell.
You can also use this trick for your clothing, just soak it in the Coke before washing it.Â
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Bug Control
Coca-Cola is great at bug control it turns out but for different reasons than you might think. The sweet syrup of Coca-Cola and other soft drinks attract ants, which feed on the larva of pests that plague crops. A 2004 article by BBC News said farmers in India turned to using soft drinks as pesticides because they were cheaper than pesticides.
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Gum Remover
Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid which neutralizes the stickiness of the gum. After soaking the affected hair or clothing for a few minutes, the gum should slide off.
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Compost Invigorator
A sluggish compost pile can be energized with a shot of Coca-Cola. The citric acid will spur decomposition of organic material and attract the micro-organisms that help compost piles.
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Lawn Care
Coca-Cola combined with other unusual ingredients can help a lawn, according to Wise Bread. A can of cola, a can of beer and a ½ cup of liquid dishwashing soap, along with a ½ cup of household ammonia and a ½ cup of mouthwash will keep a lawn green. The soap helps the mix penetrate the roots and the ammonia promotes growth to keep a lawn green.
You can also just use fertilizer, which is what I would advise.
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Remove Marker Stains
Coca-Cola will help remove permanent marker stains and pen marks. Soak the stain and scrub to remove it.
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Chrome Cleaner
Using Coca-Cola as a chrome cleaner and found when used with aluminum foil is a tried and true hack. Just pour the soda on your chrome and rub it with the foil. Note that this will not work on nickel.
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Fix a Clogged Drain
Coca-Cola can serve as a quick fix for clogged drains because the acidity will clean the grime that builds up in a pipe. However, it can leave behind a syrupy residue, meaning more cleaning.
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Clean Mold and Mildew from Clothes
Putting Coca-Cola in your washing machine doesn’t seem like a great idea but a can of Coca-Cola with the usual laundry detergent can remove mold and mildew from clothing. It’s also pretty good with stains and grease.
