Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 9 ways to use club soda in your home

Club soda has been around forever, long before all the fizzy water choices we have today. Club soda is made by injecting water with carbon dioxide and then infusing minerals. The minerals give the club soda an extra flavor for cocktails. But there are several other ways that club soda can help around the home. 

Getting out red stains. The first one most of us know about is how great club soda works on red wine stains, tomato sauce or any other dark liquid on a white or light-colored shirt, carpet or tablecloth. It works because the carbonic acid in the club soda breaks down the stain from the fibers. You need to work quickly as it becomes less effective if the stain dries. Pour a good amount of club soda on the stain and blot with a paper towel. Repeat till the red coloring disappears. Dry completely. 

Cleaning glass. Use it on a microfiber cloth or mitt and wipe off fingerprints and smudges. It works especially well on car windows. It removes dirt and streaks with much less scrubbing than regular glass cleaner. Club soda will also remove any lingering odors or residue that you may have on your glass drinkware. 

Tackling nasty smells in the refrigerator. Fill a small bowl with club soda and place it on a shelf in the center of the fridge. The natural properties of club soda will absorb the odors and leave it fresh and smelling clean. 

Tenderizing meat. Soak tough cuts of meat in club soda for a few hours before cooking. It contains sodium bicarbonate that helps tenderize the meat. 

Helping plants grow. Club soda differs from seltzer and sparkling water as it contains minerals to give it more fizz and flavor. These minerals can be beneficial to your indoor plants. Minerals are considered beneficial for plant growth. You don’t want to always use it, but even flat club soda will give your plants a boost. Once a week is good.

Cleaning jewelry. Add a few drops of dish detergent to a bowl of club soda. Soak your jewelry for 15 minutes. Scrub any remaining grime with a soft toothbrush. Dry and wipe with a clean, soft cloth for a sparkling shine. 

Cleaning rust. Have a rusty bolt? Club soda’s carbonation will help bubble away the rust. Soak the bolt if you’re able or apply with a spray bottle. Let it set in. Follow up with a penetrating oil to help loosen the bolt. 

Cleaning a cast iron skillet. Cast iron has really come back into vogue but some are afraid of the cleaning. Pour club soda into the skillet while it’s still hot. Soak for 10-15 minutes then gently scrub with a nylon brush. If you need more abrasion a tablespoon of coarse sea salt will work. 

Cleaning other surfaces around the home. Remove fingerprints and stains from stainless steel with a soft cloth and club soda, then buff to a shine. It is also a great gentle cleaner for porcelain sinks and toilets. Spray and wipe with a clean cloth. Pour a can into the toilet bowl, let soak for a few minutes then scrub with a toilet brush for a clean, fresh bowl. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago