Coke works as a cleaner because of the gentle carbonic and phosphoric acid it contains. These chemicals come from the carbonation, not from the flavorings in the soda, so Diet Coke works just as well as regular Coke. This also means that club soda and many other carbonated beverages can be substituted for Coke (though these are rarely as cheap).
For stains high in the bowl that is hard to reach, try soaking an old rag in Coke and applying it by hand. You can also use a spray bottle filled with Coke if you prefer not to get your hands dirty.
For extra cleaning power, pour the Coke in before you go to bed and let it sit in the toilet overnight. [2] X Research source
If your stains just won’t seem to go away with a second application of Coke, check out the section below, which has suggestions for especially hard-to-remove toilet stains.
For best results, scrub before and after using the Coke. In other words: Open the bowl and scrub the stains with the brush. Apply the Coke. Let the Coke sit. Scrub once again with the brush and flush to rinse the stains away.
Never microwave soda (or any liquid) in a sealed container or a container made of metal. This can lead to dangerous explosions of hot liquid. Instead, pour the soda into a microwave-safe glass (like one made of glass or ceramic), then microwave it. Heating Coke will make it fizz slightly more than normal, so you may want to wear gloves to avoid getting splashed with tiny drops of soda.
Try mixing 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) jug of water. Apply the mixture to the toilet bowl, scrubbing and waiting an hour before flushing. Follow with Coke treatment as needed. For mold, try mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray it onto the moldy surface, let sit at least one hour, and scrub until the mold dissolves. Use Coke to remove any residual stains or scaling around the moldy spot. Try mixing two parts borax with one part lemon juice and one part Coke for another versatile cleaning agent. Apply the mix to the toilet bowl, let it rest an hour, then scrub off the stains.
Coke isn’t great for removing oil, fat, or grease-based stains. For these, you’re better off using dish soap, detergent, or a stronger acid like vinegar. [4] X Research source Coke isn’t great at killing germs. In fact, the sugary residue left behind by regular Coke can actually feed certain types of bacteria. Stick to soap, a commercial cleaning solution, or an alcohol-based sanitizer to kill microorganisms. Coke won’t remove stains caused by inks, dyes, or pigments. Rubbing alcohol and other chemical solvents are often the best choice here. [5] X Research source
