Cleaning toilets can be such a chore. No one wants to touch a dirty toilet bowl; let alone one that has been accustomed to stains and grime! Naturally, people are on constant lookout for convenient ways to bring their toilets back to its pristine condition - without having to touch it.
We’ve all heard of the myth that pouring Coca-Cola soft drink into the toilet can clean that gross rim of rime at the bottom, but is there any truth to the myth? Can Coke clean toilets? We’re going to look into the how and why would anyone attempt to clean their toilet with Coca-Cola.
The Power of Coca-Cola
Where did this myth originate, and why has it become such a popular cleaning “hack?” The popular summer soft drink has never been away from the limelight of folklore, ranging from the “deadly” combination of Coke and Pop Rocks, to the messy reaction of dropping Mentos in Diet Coke.
Really, it seems that people simply love stories revolving around Coca-Cola, even a century and a half since its commercial release. As for its toilet cleaning properties, there is some truth to the claim. Looking at the ingredients of Coca-Cola, the soft drink has three acids also found to be effective cleaning solutions: Carbonic acid, Phosphoric acid, and Citric acid.
- Carbonic Acid - No soft drink is complete without its signature fizz, and carbonic acid is mainly responsible for that. Besides its contribution in the beverage industry, carbonic acid is also effective in removing limescale buildup and water stains. This ingredient is the main reason why Coke can effectively rid toilets of scum.
- Phosphoric Acid - As a preservative, phosphoric acid is added in soda to prevent mold, and gives the beverage a tangy flavour. So no surprise that phosphoric acid does a good job killing mold, revitalizing tarnished metal, and removing rust.
- Citric Acid - To compliment its sweetness, citric acid is added to give the soft drink a slight tartness. Citric acid is also used in cleaning for its ability to remove stains and combat grime. However, it is worth noting that Coke does not have a significant amount of citric acid, and is not listed as an ingredient (listed under “Natural Flavors” instead).
Coke to Clean Toilet: Is It Possible?
So is it possible to clean a toilet using Coca-cola? Actually, yes! While the concentrations of the essential cleaning ingredients are low, they can still do the job with enough time. Some blogs swear by the cleaning hack, as it is an inexpensive, readily available, and safe alternative to commercial solutions using harsh chemicals.
The acids in Coca-cola, coupled with the long sitting time, slowly works to lift stubborn stains and build up, which will then be flushed down during the clean up process. If you hate cleaning toilets, and would rather not touch the toilet bowl, then this cleaning hack is for you.
However, Coca-Cola was not meant to clean, and even the company itself had recommended to use products intended for cleaning. There is also the issue of the sugar content in Coke, as bacteria tends to feed off sugar and can grow in multitudes if the Coke was not properly flushed down. Coke is acidic at a pH of 3.4, so it can corrode metals despite being able to remove tarnish.
Coca-Cola Toilet Bowl Cleaner: A Step-by-step Guide
Still curious on how Coke can clean toilets? If you don’t have access to proper cleaning supplies, and have a liter or two of Coke at hand, it may be worth a try in removing the buildup from your toilet. Here are the steps to clean a toilet with Coke:
- Warm the Coca-Cola in the microwave. Make sure not to boil. Take note that you will have to place the soda in a microwave-safe container first. Alternatively, you can place the cola in a pot and allow it to simmer over a stove.
- Coat the entire toilet bowl with Coke. Pour the Coke starting from under the rim, and let it pool to the bottom.
- Leave the Coke for 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Do not use the toilet during this time.
- Use a toilet brush to scrub away at the loosened grime beneath the rim, and around the bottom.*
- Flush the toilet until cola is completely gone, or until water is clear.
- Repeat as needed until scale buildup is gone.
*Helpful Tip: Most instructions will omit this step, or say it’s optional, but we’ve found that some light scrubbing helps in lifting the loosened grime from the toilet bowl.
Other Uses for Coca-Cola
So, if Coke can clean toilets, what else can it clean? According to organizing enthusiasts, Coke is helpful around the house for more than just drinking. Other uses for Coca-cola include:
- Rust Removal
- Removing Stains in Laundry
- Revitalizing Tarnished Metal
- Clean Burnt Pans
- Clean Windows
Our Verdict: Clean a Toilet with Coke Today
Do We Recommend Using Coke to Clean Toilets? The short answer is yes. In a pinch, Coca-Cola seems like it does a good job in removing mildew and scale from your toilet bowl. However, it is not the best option out there. Other homemade cleaners are easy, inexpensive, and would work better as a cleaning solution.
Overall, while Coke is efficient in removing scale buildup, it’s still not a cleaning solution and does not sanitize or disinfect toilets. Keep in mind that Coca-cola was not made for cleaning and cannot replace proper cleaning recipes and solutions.
If you are a busy person, you can always have our part time maids for cleaning out your toilet. For more helpful advice and tips about home and bathroom cleaning, visit our blog page today!
