COKE AS A SOLVENT

Coca-Cola is a Strong Solvent

Coca-Cola is a Marvelous Household Tool
Many Uses in Addition to Drinking It

Many of us have seen the email on this in the past, but there are those of us out there who wonder if there is any truth to it. Now, I can certainly see where one may be concerned about drinking it when they find out what all a mere can is able to do. There are of course many foods out there which contain acids as well (i.e. fruit juices and buttermilk) that the body seems to handle fine. The drink contains phosphoric acid which can eat through metal in its pure form. Many claim that acids in edibles should not be compared.
In researching the fact or fiction aspects of this, not all have been proven as fact, but are plausible.

Claim number one - In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident. - I have not been able to back up this claim.

Claim number two - You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in two days - I have not heard the claim as being gone in two days. I have heard it used as an excellent meat tenderizer though. Marinate the steak in it overnight for a moist and tender steak.

Claim number three - To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl... Let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean. True. It can also help remove those stubborn rust stains from caused from hard water.

Claim number four - The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china. True!

Claim number five - To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a crumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola. Again, this is true. Coca-cola is excellent at removing rust from many surfaces.

Claim number six - To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away corrosion. Absolutely! I've used this one myself.

Claim number seven - To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes. - Again True!

Claim number eight - To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains. It will also clean road haze from your windshield. This is True

Claim number nine - The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8. It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days. Sites have not backed up this claim, but I suspect it is true that it will dissolve the nail. The time frame may not be accurate. I recall a tour of a dental college as a child and they discussed this very thing. I do not remember the time frame quoted however. They compared the nail to the enamel of ones teeth. Discussed why proper oral hygeine was so important with the amount of soda people consume day to day.

Claim number ten - To carry Coca Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Highly Corrosive materials. This is true. All soft drinks in concentrated form are considered hazardous not just Coke.

Claim number eleven - The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!
There are many other uses I have come across. Here are a few. Boil Coke in a burned saucepan to remove all the stains. Make a modern photograph or map look antique by lightly brushing it with Coke. (Be sure not to get it too wet or it will buckle) If your newly dyed hair is too intense, Coke can lighten it up for you. It also a great conditioner for your hair. Soak old coins and they will get an excellent shine. It can also be used to shine jewelry (not recommended for heirloom pieces or those with gems). And what else? Quite the popular one is to drink it flat to settle an upset stomach. I've had many claim Coke better that 7up in this regard.
So, whether you're bored looking for fun experiements to do at home, or find yourself in a pinch, try these innovative ideas. Have fun!

Claim number 12 - Soak motorcycle carbs in coke overnight and rinse. Cleans the gunk out.