Get ready for this clever cleaning hack! There’s way more behind the curtain when it comes to Alka-Seltzer. Not only is it a great remedy for relieving indigestion discomfort, but surprisingly it can be used for many household cleaning remedies.

Alka seltzer was invented 87 years ago in 1931 by the Dr. Miles Medicine Company. Alka-Seltzer is composed of three main ingredients, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid. Below are some “not-so-ordinary” uses when it comes to Alka-Seltzer.

Surprising Alka-Seltzer Cleaning Hacks

  1. Cleaning the Toilet

Drop in a couple Alka-Seltzer tablets into the toilet. Allow the tablets to dissolve and sit for about 20 minutes. Then, take your toilet brush and give it a nice scrub a dub, and flush!

  1. Unclog A Drain

You will need 3 Alka-Seltzer tablets and distilled white vinegar. Drop the tablets down the sink, followed by a cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the tablets to fizz and work it’s magic for a few minutes, then flush the sink with hot water.

  1. Soothe Itchy Insect Bites

Place 2 tablets in a cup of warm water. Mix the solution, and soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Place the cotton ball on the insect bite and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

  1. Whiten Your Whites

Mix one gallon of warm water in a bucket and drop in 2 Alka-Seltzer tablets. Take your white clothing garment and let it soak for 10 minutes. When the clothing garment is finished soaking, allow it air dry.

  1. All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner

Mix 8 ounces of warm water with 3 Alka-Seltzer tablets. Grab your kitchen sponge and get to scrubbing! You can use this all-purpose cleaner on countertops, floors, tiles, and the list goes on.

  1. Removing Rust Off Aluminum

Fill a large tub with clean water and place your aluminum items in the water. Drop a few tablets into the tub, and make sure to stir up. Let the items soak in the mixture for about 20 minutes. Next, take an old toothbrush and scrub any of the rusted items. This will help loosen any stubborn rust particles.

  1. Deodorize Your Refrigerator

We all know that smell. Maybe you left some leftovers too long in the fridge and every time you open the refrigerator doors, you’re welcomed by an unpleasant aroma. No problem! Take a tablet and drop it in a cup of water. Set the cup inside the fridge and allow it to sit for an hour. Once the smell is gone, you can take that same mixture in the cup and use it to wipe any stains inside of the fridge!

  1. Cleaning Your Coffee Maker

Fill your water chamber of your coffee maker with water and drop in 4 tablets. Once the tablets have dissolved, put your coffee through the brew cycle to clean all the inner tubes. After this process, rinse the coffee maker thoroughly numerous times. Run the brew cycle with plain water before you brew any coffee.

These are just a handful of some the surprisingly great ways to clean with Alka-Seltzer. Instead of purchasing store-bought cleaners that contain a list of chemicals, opt for the Alka-Seltzer. It’s most likely an item that’s already in your household, and it’s dirt cheap!