10 Surprising Hacks for Using Coca-Cola Around the House

Published on Apr. 18, 2025

The sugary, carbonated beverage is surprisingly useful for DIYers.

Coke, soda, pop, cola … we’re not going to get into the debate over what to call it, but a bottle of Coca-Cola, or one of its numerous counterparts, can be remarkably handy around the house. You can use it to clean stains, get rid of smells, or even break up rust.

What makes Cola such a powerful tool?

Phosphoric acid and citric acid. The former helps clean up rust and break down oils. Citric acid is a well-known cleaning agent too, killing bacteria and helping to get rid of stains and odors. The carbon dioxide found in soda also helps give it a little extra juice as a cleaning agent.

Cola isn’t going to replace your cleaning products or rust removers; those things will still do a better job in most cases. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, you can always grab a soda out of fridge.

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Family Handyman

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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A skunk with distinct black and white stripes scavenges near a bush, surrounded by dirt and scattered pebbles. — Martin Harvey/Getty Images

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.

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Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile) farming Citrus Mealy Bugs (Planococcus citri) — Heather Broccard-Bell/Getty Images

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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A hand picks up a pink, textured object from a gray carpet, near a partially visible bag of ice in a plastic container. — Family Handyman

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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A person discards plant waste into a black compost barrel supported by wooden legs, while a red wheelbarrow sits nearby on grass. — Family Handyman

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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green grass with bright sun during the heat wave — mariya_rosemary/getty images

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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How To Replace The Bumper On A Pickup Truck Fh16sep 571 13 031 Ssedit — Family Handyman

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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Clearing the hair from the drain with brass pin — Family Handyman

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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A woman arranges a colorful towel on a countertop in a laundry area, with hanging clothes and storage items above in a well-lit room. — Family Handyman

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.