Unique Uses for Soda: Harness the Power of an Ordinary Carbonated Beverage

An ice cold soda refreshes our thirst on a hot summer's day. Coca-cola alone is sold in over 200 nations; in 1999, Coca-cola sales reached $19.8 billion (Globalist). Soda is America's favorite drink and can be ordered at almost every restaurant in the U.S.A. Besides drinking, did you know that there are other incredible uses for the common carbonated beverage? Below are listed my top favorite unique alternative uses for soda.

1. Marinade for BBQ's
The carbonated liquid is great for penetrating meats with your own desired seasoning. The sugar in the soda also adds a mild sweetened flavor to the meat. The night before your barbecue, add garlic, ketchup, salt, pepper, & any other spices of your choice into enough soda to cover the meat. Soak the meat in the marinade in the refrigerator overnight, then cook as usual.

2. Cleaning Grout
Although there are other cleaning products in the market sold specifically to handle cleaning grout, it is nice to know that soda is another available option. Soda works well in removing mild mildew on tiles, however, be sure to rinse well with water to avoid attracting ants into your bathroom and/or kitchen.

3. Temporary Relief for Morning Sickness and other forms of Nausea
When I was pregnant, my obstetrician prescribed a thick syrupy over-the-counter elixir to relieve my morning sickness. She said the high sugar content is what helps relieves nausea. As an alternative to the expensive elixir, she recommended drinking carbonated beverages (any flavor) during an attack of nausea. For me, it worked.

4. Other Soda Recipes
Since soda is basically comprised of water & sugar, there are many recipes that you can incorporate soda. Some food items include: brownies, barbecue sauce, cake, punch, roasts, empanadas, baked beans and more.

5. Laxative
Consuming soda containing caffeine is an excellent laxative for the mildly constipated. The caffeine is a natural stimulant that speeds up the body's intestinal processes.

6. Cleaning a Drain
For drains that have accumulated that grimy film from multiple dish washing loads, soda can be a great way to help breakdown the grime. After pouring out the leftover cans of soda from a party into the kitchen drain, brush away the loosened grime with a stiff brush, then rinse with tap water.

7. Putting the 'Sparkle' back into your Jewelry
To keep your genuine gold (minimum 10Karat) chains clean & sparkly, just soak your chains of gold or sterling silver in a little soda, gently brush with a toothbrush and rinse well with water. Do not use on synthetic golds or silvers as the carbonation may cause their finishes to flake off.