Coca Cola cleans outside tiles?
Cleaning Outside Tiles with Coca-Cola: A Surprisingly Effective Solution
When it comes to cleaning, most people are familiar with traditional cleaning agents like soap, bleach, or specialized tile cleaners. But did you know that a common household beverage—Coca-Cola—can also be an effective tool for cleaning your outdoor tiles? Especialy when you have new tiles and can’t use a high pressure sprayer ;). You might be skeptical at first, but Coca-Cola has unique properties that make it surprisingly efficient in tackling dirt, grime, and stubborn stains on tile surfaces. In this blog, we’ll explore how to clean your outdoor tiles with Coca-Cola, why it works, and the benefits of using this unconventional method.
You don’t need a high pressure sprayer to get a good result!
Why Use Coca-Cola for Cleaning Outdoor Tiles?
Coca-Cola, and other cola drinks, contain several ingredients that make them effective in cleaning. The main active components that help with cleaning include:
Phosphoric Acid: Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, which is also a common ingredient in many commercial cleaning products. This acid can help break down mineral deposits, grease, and grime. It can even help dissolve rust and limescale, which is often found on outdoor tiles, especially in areas with hard water.
Carbonic Acid: The fizz in Coca-Cola comes from carbonic acid, which can lift dirt and debris from porous surfaces like outdoor tiles. The carbonation creates tiny bubbles that help loosen dirt, making it easier to clean the surface.
Sugar and Sticky Residues: While the sugar in Coca-Cola might seem like it could leave a sticky residue, it actually helps to break down grease and other tough stains. Once cleaned off, any sugar left behind doesn’t stick and is easily wiped away.
Gentle Abrasive Action: Coca-Cola can also work as a mild abrasive due to its carbonation. The bubbles help to lift dirt and grime from the surface without damaging the tile, making it safe for most outdoor tile materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, and stone.
How to Clean Outside Tiles with Coca-Cola
Now that you know why Coca-Cola is effective for cleaning, let’s walk through the simple steps for using it to clean your outdoor tiles.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Coca-Cola (preferably regular, not diet or caffeine-free)
A mop, sponge, or cloth
A bucket (optional)
A scrub brush (for tougher stains)
Gloves (optional, for handling cleaning solutions)
Water hose or bucket of water (for rinsing)
Step 2: Pour Coca-Cola on the Tiles
Start by pouring a generous amount of Coca-Cola directly onto the outdoor tiles. For larger areas, you can use a mop or cloth to apply the Coca-Cola evenly across the surface. If the tiles are particularly dirty or have stubborn stains, let the Coca-Cola sit for a few minutes to allow the acids and carbonation to work their magic.
Step 3: Scrub the Tiles
Using a scrub brush or sponge, gently scrub the tiles in a circular motion. The fizzing action of the Coca-Cola will help loosen dirt, grime, and any mineral deposits. Focus on stained or heavily soiled areas, as the acidity in the Coca-Cola works wonders on stains caused by rust, limescale, or even grease.
Step 4: Let It Sit (For Tougher Stains)
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains or mineral buildup, allow the Coca-Cola to sit on the affected tiles for 10-15 minutes. This gives the phosphoric and carbonic acids more time to break down the tough residues. Afterward, give the area another scrub with the brush.
Step 5: Rinse the Tiles
Once you’ve scrubbed the tiles and the dirt has loosened, it’s time to rinse. Use a hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse off the Coca-Cola, along with the dirt and grime. Make sure to remove all traces of the soda to prevent any sticky residue from forming.
Step 6: Dry the Tiles
For best results, dry the tiles with a clean cloth or towel. This will help avoid water spots and ensure that your outdoor tiles look clean and shiny.
Additional Tips for Using Coca-Cola on Tiles
While Coca-Cola is a great cleaning agent for outdoor tiles, there are a few extra tips and precautions to keep in mind:
Test on a Small Area First: Before applying Coca-Cola to the entire surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the tile to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Use Regular Coca-Cola: Stick to regular Coca-Cola (not diet or zero versions) because the sugar content helps to break down grease and grime. The acidity is the main active cleaning agent, so diet sodas may not work as effectively.
Wear Gloves: While Coca-Cola is relatively safe to handle, wearing gloves can help protect your hands from the sugar and acids. Plus, gloves give you a better grip while scrubbing the tiles.
Don’t Let It Sit Too Long: While Coca-Cola can work wonders on stains and grime, you should avoid leaving it on the tiles for extended periods of time, especially if they are made of sensitive materials like marble. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Why Use Coca-Cola for Cleaning Instead of Chemicals?
Using Coca-Cola for cleaning outdoor tiles comes with several benefits compared to traditional commercial cleaning products:
Eco-Friendly: Coca-Cola is a relatively eco-friendly option compared to some chemical cleaners, which may contain harmful ingredients that can be toxic to the environment.
Cost-Effective: Instead of purchasing expensive tile cleaners or specialized solutions, Coca-Cola is an affordable and readily available option that works wonders for a variety of outdoor cleaning tasks.
Non-Toxic: Unlike many harsh cleaning chemicals, Coca-Cola is non-toxic and generally safe to handle, making it a safer option for families with children or pets.
Multi-Purpose: Beyond cleaning tiles, Coca-Cola can also be used to remove rust stains, clean toilets, and even tackle grime on barbecue grills, making it a versatile cleaning solution.
Conclusion: A Refreshing Way to Clean Your Tiles
If you're looking for an unconventional yet surprisingly effective way to clean your outdoor tiles, Coca-Cola might be the answer. Its unique combination of phosphoric acid, carbonation, and sugar makes it a powerful cleaning agent that can tackle dirt, stains, and mineral buildup on your outdoor surfaces.
Not only is it cost-effective and eco-friendly, but it also provides a fun, refreshing twist on traditional cleaning methods. So, the next time your outdoor tiles need a little TLC, why not crack open a can of Coca-Cola and give it a try? You’ll be amazed at how well it works, and your tiles will thank you with a sparkling clean shine!