The next time you need a quick solution for a spill or stain, try a simple can of club soda. Your favorite fizzy drink has been used for ages as a cleaning agent—it just doesn’t get much press as more expensive or store-bought cleaning solutions. But just because it isn’t glamorous doesn’t mean it isn’t effective.
“Those little bubbles are like tiny cleaning ninjas,” says Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning. “They lift dirt, grease, and grime without leaving behind harsh residues.” Its mild acidity also works wonders on tarnished areas and stubborn stains. Additionally, the bit of salt contained in club soda adds a tiny bit of grit, which helps to dissolve and scrub away the worst of it, points out Chris Willat, owner of Alpine Maids.
Because this tried-and-true cleaning solution has a number of household purposes, it’s good to always keep on hand. To get to the bottom of the bubbles, we consulted cleaning experts for their favorite applications for club soda.
Clean Up Carpet Spills
Spills on the carpet can happen on a dime, and acting quickly prevents the liquid from setting. But even if the stain has gone unnoticed for some time, club soda can still work its magic: The fizziness of the carbonation helps break up stains and lift them from the carpet fibers.
“Club soda is an effective, nontoxic alternative to cleaning carpet stains that can deliver professional results,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid. Start by blotting out as much of the spill as you can, then pour club soda directly onto the stain, taking care not to oversaturate the area. Let it sit for five minutes before blotting it off with a clean rag, she advises. Repeat as necessary.
Make Stainless Steel Appliances Shine
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For unsightly fingerprints and fine scratches on your refrigerators, stoves, toasters, dishwashers, and coffee makers, club soda is a great alternative to store-bought polish. The carbonation not only takes care of the smudges but also adds extra shine, says Mock. She recommends pouring club soda into a spray bottle and spritzing the stainless steel surface. Afterwards, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain.
Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids, suggests following this polishing protocol every couple of weeks. “This will help smooth out those hairline scratches that you only notice when people come over,” he says.
Clean Glass and Mirrors
Club soda can also serve as a substitute for glass cleaner in a pinch. The carbonation will similarly lift the dust and grime away from the surface, leaving your glass surfaces streak-free and sparkling. “Simply pour club soda into a spray bottle, spritz it onto the glass surface such as a mirror or a window, and wipe from top to bottom with a microfiber cloth,” instructs Mock.
Tame Pet Stains
When it comes to pet stains, the same principles apply. Because club soda is a less pricey alternative to store-bought pet stain removers, it is a worthy competitor. Willat advises first cleaning the area of any debris, then pouring a small amount of club soda on the area and blotting with a clean, dry towel.
For urine stains, wait for the area to dry and then sprinkle it with baking soda to help remove any odors. Let the baking soda sit for about an hour and then vacuum the area thoroughly.
Remove Build-Up from Pots and Pans
The next time you are standing at your kitchen sink staring at a dirty pot or pan with a certain amount of dread, fear not. Club soda will make the process a whole lot easier. “Club soda’s abrasive and acidic properties make it a great tool for removing burnt food and other build-up from your pots and pans,” explains Mock. Add club soda to the pot or pan while it’s still hot, and let it cool for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush or sponge.
If you choose to give your especially greasy pans an overnight soak after cooking, consider soaking them in club soda rather than warm water, suggests Willat. “The acidity and salt in the club soda will help lift away that pesky grease a lot better than just warm water that quickly turns cold,” he notes.
Wipe Down Cutting Boards
Notorious for harboring bacteria from all that food prep, cutting boards can be tricky to clean effectively—especially wooden cutting boards. Willat notes that people often opt to spray them down with antibacterial cleaner, which is a big no-no: The astringent cleaner can create even more pores in the wood where bacteria is likely to grow.
Your best best is to clean your cutting boards thoroughly with warm, soapy water in the sink. Wiping them down with club soda afterwards will help neutralize any strong odors left over from food sources, especially aromatics like garlic and onions.
Make a Jewelry Soak
Your jewelry is uniquely yours and often extremely sentimental in value. Especially for fine jewelry, you may choose periodic professional cleaning. But for regular maintenance, club soda can serve as a quality at-home cleaning method. Webber recommends soaking your jewelry in club soda for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently brushing with a soft toothbrush, rinsing, and patting dry with a clean cloth to restore its natural luster.
Deodorize Sponges
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Rather than tossing a sponge at the first sign of wear and tear, try refreshing it with club soda. “Once a week, take your sponge and soak it in a bowl of club soda,” instructs Willatt. “This will help get rid of smells and extend its lifespan.” You can also let your sponge sit overnight in a bowl of club soda, followed by a minute in the microwave the following morning. Not only will this kill bacteria hidden in the sponge, it will eradicate any lingering odors.
Remove Rust
Rust can show up on any number of household items, including tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, as well as nails, bolts and door hinges. To remove rust, Willatt recommends pouring club soda onto rusty items and allowing it to sit for at least 24 hours, followed by a cold water rinse. “Most of the rust will be gone and any lingering rust is easy to wipe away with a coarse sponge,” he says.
For small items, such as nails and screws, simply place them in a small bowl and cover with club soda. Then follow the same above steps.
Freshen Upholstery
Chairs are meant for sitting, and drinks have a habit of spilling, even from the steadiest of hands. Occasional stains on upholstery are as inevitable as the dawn. Subtle odors can also emanate from your furniture, demanding immediate attention. Webber recommends dabbing club soda onto the fabric to lift any odors or minor stains and then letting it air dry for a refresh.
Tackle Hard Water
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Especially evident in all areas of the bathroom, hard water stains can be persistent. Willatt advises pouring a small amount of club soda on a microfiber towel and applying it to the stained area. Follow with a wipe-down using a clean, dry towel. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may need to use a coarse sponge in the cleaning process to give your club soda some added muscle.
Remove Adhesive Residue
Sticky residue can show up on refrigerators under aged magnets, or wherever a price tag once sat. To remove the adhesive, grab a bottle of club soda from the fridge and get to work. “Pour a small amount on a microfiber cloth to reduce any potential scratches and wipe down the area,” says Willatt. “Then clean the area with clean fresh water to get rid of any lingering leftover residue.”
Refurbish Grout on Tiles
For small stains in bathroom grout or other areas that involve tile, club soda is the perfect go-to. While not suitable for a serious deep clean, small tile stains can be treated by pouring club soda over the area. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and then use a small brush to scrub the area. “Wipe with clean warm water and the stain will disappear,” assures Willatt.
