Cleaning a toilet can be a daunting task and probably not that high up the agenda of things you want to do in your spare time! The good news is you can clean your toilet using natural ingredients or others lying around the house. These alternatives are often just as effective! Here are some methods to try, including the viral favorite Coco-Cola.
The Coco-Cola Method
Believe it or not, Coca-Cola can help clean your toilet bowl! When you see what it can do to your teeth it doesn’t really surprise me. The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola can help break down stubborn stains and mineral build-up. Here’s what we did:
Step 1: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl, making sure to cover the stains.
Step 2: Let it sit for about an hour or overnight, allowing the acid in the Coke to break down the stains. Duration depends on how bad the build-up is.
Step 3: Scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush and flush the toilet.
Pretty simple and cost effective!
We LOVE Coca-Cola as a cleaning agent – but is it environmentally friendly?
In short – no. The excessive amounts of water used to produce Coke, plus the plastic pollution and their questionable international labor policies means we wouldn’t recommend using the Coke cleaning method over other more ethical options provided in this article (but it’s still pretty neat to know what Coke can do right?!)
Other drawbacks of using Coca-Cola to clean your toilet
While some people use Coca-Cola as a household cleaner, particularly for toilets, there are potential negatives and considerations to be aware of:
- Toxic Chemicals: Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, which gives it its tangy flavor. While this acid can help break down stains and rust in the toilet, it is a chemical that can be harmful if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.
- Limited Effectiveness: While Coca-Cola might be effective for mild stains or rings in the toilet, it might not be as powerful as dedicated toilet bowl cleaners specifically designed to tackle tough stains, bacteria, and germs.
- Sugar Content: Coca-Cola is high in sugar, which can leave a sticky residue in the toilet bowl. This residue can potentially lead to further staining and attract bacteria, defeating the purpose of cleaning.
- Expense: Coca-Cola is typically more expensive than other common household cleaning products. Using it for cleaning purposes may not be the most cost-effective solution.
- Unpleasant Odor: While some people may enjoy the smell of Coca-Cola, others might find it unpleasant. Using it as a cleaning agent could leave behind a lingering scent in the bathroom.
- Alternative Cleaning Products: There are dedicated toilet bowl cleaners available that are specifically formulated to handle the germs and stains commonly found in toilets. These products may be more effective and safer for regular use.
If you choose to use Coca-Cola or any other unconventional cleaning method, it’s essential to exercise caution, follow safety guidelines, and be aware of potential drawbacks. Always read and follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective cleaning.
Environmentally kinder ways to clean your toilet
Method 1: Baking Soda and White Vinegar
At TGCS we LOVE baking soda and vinegar and it is by far more ethical than using the Coke method. Both baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaning agents that can be used to clean your toilet whilst not decimating your local wildlife or leaving an overpowering chemical scent that most high street cleaning products do. They work by creating a fizzy reaction that helps remove stains and disinfect the bowl. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl.
Step 2: Pour a cup of white vinegar into the bowl and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush and flush the toilet.
Method 2: Borax
Borax is a natural mineral that can be used to clean your toilet bowl. It is a mild abrasive that can help remove stains and disinfect the bowl. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Pour 1/2 cup of borax into the toilet bowl.
Step 2: Let the borax sit in the bowl for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush and flush the toilet.
👉 Here’s more amazing eco-friendly methods to clean your toilet.
Does Coca-Cola work on other household items?
Coca-Cola can be used for cleaning a variety of items around the house, from removing grease stains on clothes to polishing chrome surfaces. Just be sure to rinse away any Coke residue after cleaning to avoid attracting bugs or ants. Here are a few examples:
- Grease Stains: Coca-Cola can help remove stubborn grease stains from clothing (sounds a bit counter-intuitive but bear with us). Pour a can of Coke into your washing machine with your regular detergent and run the cycle as usual.
- Rust Removal: The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola can help remove rust from metal surfaces. Soak the rusty item in Coke for a few hours or overnight, then scrub away the rust with a scrub brush (makes you wonder what it’s doing to your stomach…)
- Grout Cleaner: The fizzy reaction caused by the combination of Coca-Cola and baking soda can help remove grime from bathroom tiles and grout. Mix equal parts baking soda and Coke, then apply the mixture to the grout and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
- Chrome Polish: Coca-Cola can help polish and shine chrome surfaces. Pour some Coke onto a cloth and rub it onto the chrome surface. Wipe it away with a clean cloth to reveal a shiny surface.
- Stainless Steel: Believe it or not Coke cleans stainless steel!
- Removing Blood Stains: The acidity in Coke can assist in breaking down blood stains on fabric. Pre-treat the stain with Coke before washing.
- Cleaning Porcelain: Coca-Cola can be used to clean porcelain fixtures, such as sinks and bathtubs, helping to remove stains and soap scum.
- Cleaning a Skillet or Grill: The acidity in Coke can help break down stubborn residues on pans or grills. Pour some Coke on the surface, let it sit, and then scrub.
👉 More: Coca-Cola’s Useful Cleaning Properties
Wrap Up
In a fizz of creativity, we explored and rated the unconventional use of Coca-Cola to clean our toilet. While the idea has its sparkling appeal, it’s essential to recognize the drawbacks. The risk of sticky residue, the potential for a less-than-refreshing scent, and the fact that cola wasn’t exactly designed as a bathroom buddy do make it a less-than-ideal cleaning concoction. For a bowl that truly shines and avoids any sugar-related mishaps, why not check out these green alternatives.
