Kamal Ghorui
We have all experienced this situation. It is an hour before the party, and while doing a quick inspection of the bathroom, you notice the mineral deposits in the colour of rust lodged in the bottom of the toilet bowl. You had already cleaned it using your usual cleaning product, but they still stick around.In a moment of desperation, you might recall a popular internet hack: pouring a can of cola down the drain. It sounds like an urban legend, but there is actually a bit of a scientific backstory to why this fizzy drink is often touted as a “miracle” cleaner.All of it depends on the acid component of the beverage. Regularly consumed colas contain phosphoric acid, which brings the pH of the product to a level of 2.5. This figure is responsible not only for the unique taste of the drink, but also for its ability to gradually dissolve the components – calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for the appearance of stains. While it may look like an easy way to avoid a trip to the store, it will not be that simple to use a sugary drink to clean the dishes.Risks associated with acid, fizz and residual depositsThe acidic reaction of a beverage can affect the ceramic surface when used as a cleaning agent. Although it should be noted that, according to the results of the Color Stability of Three Ceramics After Thermocycling in Coffee, Black Tea, Cola, and Water research, cola affects ceramic material.The study highlights that the acidic nature of the drink can actually roughen the smooth glaze of the ceramic. While this helps loosen the stain, it creates a “textured” surface that can actually trap pigments from the drink itself.This leads to a bit of a cleaning paradox. You might dissolve the lime scale, but the dark caramel colouring in the soda could leave a slight shadow or tint on the porcelain if it is left to sit for too long. Furthermore, unlike specialised cleaners, soda is packed with high amounts of sugar. If you do not rinse the bowl thoroughly after the fizz settles, you are essentially leaving a sticky, sweet film behind. This residue can become a playground for bacteria, potentially making your bathroom less sanitary than when you started.Timing is very important. Professionals recommend leaving it on for no more than one hour. This is enough time to allow acid to interact with minerals while minimising damage known as etching, which might affect the ceramic surface. Brush scrubbing can assist in getting rid of any loose grit, but you will have to wash everything thoroughly to eliminate any sugar residue.
While a temporary fix, experts advise against it, recommending white vinegar or commercial cleaners for a safer, lasting shine.
Alternative cleaning products that will ensure lasting shineObviously, the use of soft drinks as toilet cleaning agents is just another funny household hack that works well. However, its effects on your pipes and porcelain are not worth your while in the long run.Acidity is capable of significantly altering the structure of clay-based substances, as indicated by studies examining the Influence of thermal and acidic treatments on the morphology of a natural kaolinitic clay mineral. In this case, ceramic toilets are a form of high-quality clay that can be affected when exposed repeatedly to acid due to their low pH.In case one wishes to benefit from acidity in their toilet cleaning solution while minimising the presence of colouring or sticky syrup residues in the bowl, white vinegar should be used instead of soda because of its acidity. The commercial cleaners, on the other hand, will help ensure that the ceramic surface remains slippery for years to come.While rooting around in the cleaning supplies closet and resources are limited, the cola hack is one of those quick fixes worth knowing. It reveals the surprising cleaning power behind common household objects, but also reminds us to be mindful of what we’re putting into our bodies and the potent chemicals hiding in our favourite beverages. To ensure your bathroom stays sparkling clean, it might be best to save the cola for your glass of choice.
