Alka-Seltzer has been around since 1931 and was first introduced by Miles Laboratories as a remedy for indigestion or heartburn. Most people know it for the fizzing tablets that bring quick relief when dropped in water.
However, in addition to all this, it can also tackle some of the toughest cleaning tasks around the house. This guide outlines a few hacks or cleaning ideas using Alka Seltzer, which makes it a versatile and handy household staple.
14 Interesting Alka Seltzer Hacks
1. Clean the Toilet Bowl
One of the most effective uses for Alka-Seltzer is cleaning toilet bowls. Drop two or three tablets into the toilet bowl and wait 20 to 30 minutes. Then brush and flush the bowl to remove all the stubborn stains.
The citric acid, along with the effervescent action in the water, helps break down the buildup and clean the toilet bowl.
2. Clean the Coffee Maker
A dirty coffee machine can affect the taste of coffee as well. To avoid this, it is best to give it a good clean using Alka Seltzer. To use this, fill the coffee maker’s chamber with water and drop four tablets into it.
Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then run a complete brew cycle to clean the inner workings of the machine. After the cycle finishes, run two or three additional cycles with plain water to remove any Alka-Seltzer residue.
3. Unclog a Bathtub Drain
This hack can be used to unclog the bathtub or any other drain. Drop two to three Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets into the drain. After this, pour a cup of water and let the fizzing action work for 10 to 15 minutes. Lastly, rinse the drain thoroughly with hot water.
4. Clean Stains on Mugs
Stubborn coffee and tea stains often stick to the bottom of light-colored mugs, even after you scrub them hard. A simple solution is to fill the mug with hot water, add an Alka-Seltzer tablet, and let it sit for 15 minutes. After that, wipe the mug clean and rinse it well.
5. Clean the Floors
Floors collect dirt and spills due to their everyday use, thereby making it very important to keep them clean. Alka Seltzer’s combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid makes it effective against dirt, grime, and stains.
To create a simple cleaning solution, fill a half-gallon container with warm water and dissolve four to five Alka-Seltzer tablets. After the fizzing stops, use the mixture with a mop to clean your floors. The result is a fresh, shiny surface without heavy chemicals.
6. Clean Bathroom Tiles
This is an effective hack to clean the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. To create a mixture, dissolve 4-5 tablets in 10 ounces of warm water. Once the tablet is dissolved completely, make sure to pour the mixture into a spray bottle. This mix acts as an effective tile cleaner that can clean the stubborn stains.
7. Whitens Clothes
Alka Seltzer can help whiten the dull or yellowed shade of white clothes. Alka-Seltzer’s mix of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate can help bring back the original brightness of your whites.
To use this method, dissolve two Alka-Seltzer tablets in 4 quarts of water and soak the garment overnight. In the morning, hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area or outside.
The yellow stains should be noticeably reduced or eliminated. As with any cleaning trick, it’s a good idea to test the method on a less valuable item first to make sure it works for you.
8. Clean Jewelry
An inexpensive jewelry cleaner can be made by dissolving two Alka-Seltzer tablets in a cup of water. Place dull or tarnished jewelry in the solution for a few minutes until the fizzing stops, then rinse it thoroughly with water. This method helps restore shine.
However, do not use it on delicate or porous pieces, such as pearls or opals, because the citric acid may cause damage.
9. Deodorize the Refrigerator
Baking soda is often a traditional choice for keeping refrigerators odor-free. However, Alka Seltzer also gets the job done with equal effect. To deodorise the refrigerator, place a tablet in a glass of water and put it inside the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
If the odor still persists, dissolve a second tablet into a fresh glass of water and wait for the fizzing to stop. Soak a cloth or sponge in this mixture and wipe the insides of the fridge thoroughly with it.
10. Clean the Vase
Cleaning deep vases is often hard because it can be difficult to reach the bottom with a sponge or brush. The Alka Seltzer hack can help solve this problem. Fill the vase with water, leaving space at the top for fizzing, and drop in a couple of tablets. To prevent overflow, keep the vase over a sink during this step.
Allow the solution to fizz for about 10 minutes, then pour it out. Rinse the vase under running water on high pressure to loosen and wash away residue. Repeat the rinse several times before drying the vase.
11. Clean Stains on Glass Dishes
Dishwashers are convenient, but they often have trouble with burnt residue and baked-on stains. This is especially true for glass oven dishes used for roasts or casseroles. Alka-Seltzer can help with stains that dishwashers might not remove.
Fill a sink with warm water, add six tablets, and submerge the dirty cookware. Let it soak for about an hour. Afterwards, scrub it gently to remove the loosened debris. For even better cleaning, you can add a small amount of vinegar to the solution.
12. Clean Stains from Plastic Containers
Plastic food containers are handy for storing leftovers, but tomato-based sauces can leave tough orange stains. To get rid of the discoloration, fill the container with warm water and add one or two Alka-Seltzer tablets based on the size of the container. Let the solution sit for around 30 minutes, then rinse it well. The container will look clean and fresh again.
13. Clean Water Bottles
Over time, even reusable water bottles can also collect residue and unpleasant odors. To clean them easily, fill the bottle with some clean water and add two Alka-Seltzer tablets. Make sure to leave it overnight so the fizzing can remove stains and freshen the inside. In the morning, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and place the bottle upside down to dry.
14. Clean the Thermos
It can be hard to clean a long and narrow thermos completely. To overcome this problem, fill the thermos with water and add two Alka-Seltzer tablets. Keep this aside and let the solution fizz for 10 minutes. Then, pour it out and rinse it several times under running water. This process makes the thermos easy to clean and use without any hassle.
Conclusion
Alka-Seltzer is a versatile cleaner that can handle numerous household tasks effectively. From removing coffee stains to cleaning floors and unclogging drains, these fizzy tablets offer a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. However, for stubborn stains, it is better to opt for specialised cleaning products.
