Alka-Seltzer for Genius Solutions at Home
This post may contain affiliate links. When you use them, you help support this site. For more information, please read the Disclosure Policy
You can use Alka-Seltzer for much more than just soothing an upset stomach! Alka Seltzer can be a Genius Solution for home use. Clean Jewelry, Unclog a drain, cleaning hacks, and more!
How To Use Alka-Seltzer for Genius Solutions at Home
There’s more to Alka-Seltzer than reliving acid and indigestion discomfort. Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh-what-a-relief-it-is {feel free to sing along}.
Did you know that Alka-Seltzer can be used for many Genius Solutions at Home? Probably things you have never even thought of using it on before.
Who knew Alka-Seltzer could do more than just relieve pain? There are many myths about this cheap tablet, but there are also many things that are facts. Alka-Seltzer has been around since 1931 and is one of the oldest and best-known remedies for a wide range of minor aches and pains, ranging from excess stomach acid to even hangovers.
You may already realize this; Alka-Seltzer tablets contain aspirin, anhydrous citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate. Important ingredients that allow you to use these tablets in different ways around your home. Here are some great things you can do with Alka-Seltzer.
And the funny thing is they have nothing to do with your health. You may want to grab a bunch next time they are on sale or buy online in bulk from Amazon.
Deep Cleaning
Do you have one of those deep vases with a narrow stem? If so, you know there is absolutely no way to get inside and clean it out by hand.
Deep-clean vases by filling them with a mixture of warm water and tablets; soak them for 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t fill the vase with too much water or it will overflow. After letting it sit, the gunk inside the vase will loosen, and with the pressure from the faucet, it should be easy to get it out just by running the water.
Clean your Toilet – Speed Scrub
Speed-scrub the toilet twice a week by dropping two tablets in the bowl; 20 minutes later, brush with a toilet brush. The citric acid will work on the toilet bowl grime, loosening it.
It is as simple as that. Plus, Alka Seltzer will help eliminate odors from the toilet as well.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Make an all-purpose cleaner by dropping three tablets into warm water. Once the fizzing stops, the cleaning can start.
Alka-Seltzer is great for cleaning grime off of countertops and bathtubs. You can use a sponge or transfer the mixture to a spray bottle for added convenience. You’ll find it does a great job. It’s fast and easy to prepare, and again – CHEAP. My favorite word.
Unclog a Drain
Safely unclog a drain with just FOUR tablets. Drop them into the drain and pour a single cup of white vinegar over them. Wait for ten minutes for the mixture to foam up and start working its magic. After the mixture has fizzed up in your drainpipe for ten minutes, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. VIOLA!
Hopefully, it will be clear!
If not, repeat with another four tablets. It is best to do this on a regular basis. Plus, Alka Seltzer will help clear up any unwanted smells from the drain. BONUS. Side Note: This will not work for drains that have been clogged by grease.
Pro Tip: Doing this on a regular basis helps keep your drains clear, thanks to the citric acid — and also deodorizes the drain, thanks to the baking soda.
Clean Jewelry
Polish Your Jewelry – Jewelry cleaner is something else you can save money on. Put two tablets in a glass of water and immerse your jewelry for two minutes. Remove, rinse, and pat dry. Works fantastic on getting out stuck in dirt. I use it often on my wedding ring.
Side Note: you cannot clean all jewelry safely using this method. Pearls and opals should never be washed using Alka-Seltzer. It will cause damage.
Cleaning Cookware/Dishes
Remove Burn Marks From Cookware – I get so frustrated with having to clean burnt-on food residue off from dishes and cookware.
This is a huge time and energy saver! Fill cookware or a dishpan (if stains are on the outside) with warm water, drop in 4 or 5 tablets, and let sit for an hour. I usually walk away and tend to other household chores. When I return, I simply wipe clean.
That is a great way to clean and get things done around the house. Set it, forget it, return it, and clean it up.
Pro Tip: Cleaning a coffee or tea-stained mug. Drop a tablet into water and let the coffee- or tea-stained mug soak overnight. The citric acid, along with the baking soda, will loosen those tough stains.
Clean The Coffee Maker
Clean The Coffee Maker – Got a coffeemaker that is a pain to get clean? Dissolve two tablets in the coffee pot then run the water through a brew cycle to clean out the tubes and other interior components.
Do a brew cycle with plain water to rinse before making coffee. Cleaning your coffee maker every 6 weeks will make it run more efficiently.
Clean a narrow-necked bottle, vase, or thermos
These bottles are the hardest to clean. Frequently you can’t find a small enough bottle brush. Let’s solve this problem fast.
For those difficult-to-clean vessels with narrow necks, and hard-to-reach surfaces, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets in. Fill the bottle with hot water and swish around until the tablets are dissolved. Let it sit for an hour. Rinse the solution out, and your container will be as good as new.
Build Rockets
Build rockets with the kids (My personal favorite for the kids) by filling an empty film canister halfway with warm water and dropping in half of a tablet.
Quickly snap on the lid, put down the canister, and watch it take off (best if done outside, for obvious reasons). Your kiddos will find Alka-Seltzer thrilling and can learn about chemistry and physics by observing what takes place. Have fun with this one and try not to make too big a mess!
Click here for more Instructions on how to make rockets.
Are there any ways that you use Alka Seltzer other than for calming your tummy? Leave us a comment below. I would love to hear about them.
Other Simple Solution Ideas
18 AWESOME Uses for Borax – Cheap Alternative, Plus Frugal Craft Ideas
What To Do With Those Over Lemons
20 Other Uses for Coffee Filters, WHO KNEW?
DIY Guide To Deep Cleaning Your Dishwasher