31 Creative And Practical Uses Of Alka-Seltzer You Might Not Know
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Alka-Seltzer, a familiar sight in many medicine cabinets, is typically associated with providing quick relief from heartburn, indigestion, and minor aches.
This effervescent tablet has a myriad of other uses that extend way beyond the realm of human health.
Prepare to be surprised as we unveil 31 creative and practical uses of Alka-Seltzer that you might not have known.
(obviously, try these at your own risk!)
Table of Contents
What is Alka-Seltzer?
Before we delve into the myriad uses of Alka-Seltzer, let’s first understand what it is.
Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medication that contains three active ingredients – aspirin, citric acid, and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). It is primarily used to treat symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and minor aches.
When dropped into water, it produces a fizzing action, which quickly dissolves the tablet and allows it to be easily ingested.
1. Sparkling Clean Vases
Vases with narrow necks can be challenging to clean, but not when you have Alka-Seltzer at your disposal. Fill the vase with warm water and drop in one or two tablets.
The effervescing action of Alka-Seltzer will loosen the grime, making it easy to rinse away, leaving your vases immaculate and looking brand new.
2. A Handy Drain Cleaner
Drains blocked with dirt and grease? Drop four Alka-Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar.
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Wait for about ten minutes and then rinse with boiling water. The effervescence and the chemical reaction between the tablets and vinegar help break up the gunk and clear the drain effectively.
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3. Jewelry Reviver
To restore the shine to your jewelry, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into a glass of warm water and immerse your jewelry for about twenty minutes.
The tablets’ citric acid and baking soda will work their magic, leaving your jewelry sparkling clean. Avoid using this method with pearls or other soft gemstones as it could damage their finish.
Related: How to Clean Silver – Easy DIY Silver Cleaners (No Harsh Chemicals)
4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Alka-Seltzer provides an easy and effective way to clean your toilet bowl. Drop in two tablets, wait twenty minutes for the citric acid to loosen the grime, then scrub lightly and flush.
The result is a spotlessly clean toilet bowl with minimal effort.
Related: How To Clean A Toilet Bowl And Remove Hard Water Stains
5. Fish Attractor
Interestingly, Alka-Seltzer can also be used as a fishing aid. Some anglers have found that fish are attracted to the bubbles and vibrations an Alka-Seltzer tablet creates when it’s dropped in the water.
Simply attach a piece of Alka-Seltzer to your hook and cast your line. The fizzing action can attract fish, potentially increasing your chances of making a catch.
This unusual application could make all the difference between an empty haul and a successful fishing trip.
6. Pain Relief for Insect Bites
Alka-Seltzer can provide relief from the discomfort of insect bites. Make a paste by dissolving two tablets in a teaspoon of water and apply to the affected area.
The aspirin in the tablet acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Related: Get Rid Of Pests Quickly Without Harsh Chemicals
7. Flower Life Extender
To extend the life of cut flowers, dissolve half an Alka-Seltzer tablet in a vase of water before adding your flowers.
The tablet’s ingredients help maintain the water’s pH balance, keeping it cleaner and enhancing the longevity of your blooms.
8. Coffee Pot Cleaner
Remove stubborn coffee stains from your coffee pot with Alka-Seltzer. Fill the pot with water, add four tablets, and let it soak for an hour.
The stains will wipe away effortlessly, leaving your coffee pot sparkling clean and ready for your next brew.
Related: How to Clean Keurig Coffee Maker – Easy & Quick Video Tutorials
9. Soothing Foot Soak
After a long day on your feet, a foot soak with Alka-Seltzer can be quite refreshing. Fill a basin with warm water, add two tablets and let your feet soak.
The aspirin will help soothe tired feet, and the fizzing action will tickle your soles, providing a relaxing end to your day.
10. Coolant System Cleaner
To clean your car’s coolant system, simply drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into the coolant reservoir, run the engine to normal temperature, then switch it off.
After the engine has cooled, drain the coolant system, refill with clean coolant and water, and you’re good to go. This can help maintain your car’s performance and extend the life of your engine.
Consult your mechanic before doing this with your specific car!
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11. Denture Cleanser
Alka-Seltzer makes a great substitute if you’re out of your regular denture-cleaning tablets. Dissolve two tablets in warm water and soak your dentures.
They’ll come out clean and fresh, removing any lingering odors.
12. Urinary Tract Infection Relief
While Alka-Seltzer cannot cure a urinary tract infection (UTI), it can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink.
The aspirin will help ease the pain, while the baking soda can help neutralize acidic urine. However, this should not replace a visit to your healthcare provider.
13. Burnt Pan Cleaner
To clean a burnt pan, fill it with water, add six Alka-Seltzer tablets and let it soak for an hour. The burnt food will come off easily, leaving your pan as good as new.
This can save you from the elbow grease usually required to scrub off burnt-on food.
14. Fridge Freshener
Alka-Seltzer can help eliminate unpleasant odors in your fridge. Place a glass of water with two dissolved tablets in your fridge, and it will act as a deodorizer, absorbing all those unwanted smells and keeping your fridge fresh.
Related: How Often Should You Clean Your House? Room By Room Tips
15. Whiten Laundry
To brighten and whiten your laundry, add two Alka-Seltzer tablets to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.
Your whites will come out looking brighter! The baking soda in the tablets helps to boost the power of your laundry detergent, resulting in cleaner, fresher clothes.
16. Migraine Relief
For some people, Alka-Seltzer can provide relief from migraine headaches.
The aspirin in the tablet helps alleviate the pain, while the fizzing action can be soothing. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for chronic or severe migraines.
17. Windshield Bug Remover
To remove bugs from your windshield, dissolve two Alka-Seltzer tablets in a litre of water and use this solution to clean your windshield.
The bugs will come off effortlessly, leaving your windshield crystal clear and improving your visibility while driving.
18. Remove Oil Stains from Concrete
Oil stains on your garage floor or driveway can be removed with Alka-Seltzer. Crush a few tablets into a powder and mix with water to create a paste.
Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. Combining citric acid and baking soda in Alka-Seltzer effectively breaks down the oil, making it easier to scrub away.
Related:
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19. Body Aches Reliever
Relieve body aches and pains with a relaxing Alka-Seltzer bath. Dissolve a few tablets in your bathwater and soak your troubles away.
The aspirin will help to relieve any body aches, while the fizzing sensation can provide a soothing and relaxing experience.
20. Canker Sore Relief
Alka-Seltzer can help with the discomfort of canker sores. Dissolve a tablet in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.
The aspirin will help reduce pain and inflammation, providing relief from these painful mouth ulcers.
21. Clean a Thermos
Clean your thermos easily with Alka-Seltzer. Fill the thermos with warm water, drop in four tablets, and let it soak for an hour (or overnight for stubborn stains).
Rinse and your thermos will be spotlessly clean! This is particularly useful for thermoses with narrow openings that are difficult to clean with a brush.
22. Hairbrush Cleaner
To clean your hairbrush, soak it in a bowl of warm water and three Alka-Seltzer tablets.
The tablets will break down the oil and dirt, leaving your brush clean and ready for use. This is a simple and effective way to maintain your hairbrushes and combs.
23. Calm an Upset Stomach
Of course, one of the most common uses for Alka-Seltzer is to calm an upset stomach. If you’re feeling queasy or have overindulged, dissolve a tablet in a glass of water and drink for quick relief.
The baking soda helps neutralize stomach acid, relieving indigestion and heartburn.
24. Cleanse Your Skin
Alka-Seltzer can also be used as a facial cleanser. The baking soda in the tablet helps remove oil and exfoliate the skin, while the aspirin can reduce inflammation and redness.
Dissolve a tablet in a little water to create a paste, apply it to your face, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will feel clean and refreshed.
25. Remove Rust
The active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer, which include citric acid and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), contribute to its effectiveness in rust removal.
This method is particularly useful for items that are difficult to clean using traditional methods or where the use of harsh chemicals is not desirable.
However, it’s important to note that this method may not be suitable for all materials. Always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the Alka-Seltzer will not damage the item.
26. Relieve Sore Throat
Gargling with Alka-Seltzer can provide relief from a sore throat. Dissolve two tablets in a glass of warm water and gargle the solution.
The aspirin will help to reduce inflammation and ease the pain, providing temporary relief from your discomfort.
27. Clean a Washing Machine
Clean and deodorize your washing machine with Alka-Seltzer. Run a cycle with hot water, adding four tablets to the drum before starting the cycle.
The citric acid and baking soda will clean and freshen your machine, leaving it ready for your next laundry load.
Related: How to Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar and Baking Soda (Front Load and Top Loading)
28. Alka-Seltzer to Deter Ants
If you have an ant problem, Alka-Seltzer can help. Crumble a few tablets and scatter the crumbs where you see ants.
The smell of the Alka-Seltzer is said to deter ants, keeping them away from areas where they’re not wanted.
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29. Alka-Seltzer as a Plant Growth Aid
Alka-Seltzer can also be used to promote plant growth. The aspirin content in Alka-Seltzer can stimulate plant growth when added to the watering routine.
Dissolve one tablet in a gallon of water and use this solution to water your plants once every month.
30. Alka-Seltzer for Relieving Travel Sickness
Alka-Seltzer can help relieve the symptoms of travel sickness, including nausea and dizziness. It contains sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, which can help calm an upset stomach.
However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Alka-Seltzer for travel sickness, especially if you’re already on medication.
Related: 23 Top Travel Tips From Frugal Frequent Flyers
31. Alka-Seltzer as a Cooler Deodorizer
Leftover smells in your cooler from fish or other foods can be hard to remove. Alka-Seltzer can help deodorize your cooler. Fill the cooler with water and drop in four Alka-Seltzer tablets.
Let it sit for an hour, then rinse and dry. The Alka-Seltzer will help neutralize odors and leave your cooler smelling fresh.
Fizz Away
While Alka-Seltzer is a versatile household helper, always remember to use it responsibly.
For medical applications, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s suitable for you.
For household uses, test on an inconspicuous spot first, particularly when using on surfaces or materials that might react with the citric acid or baking soda in the tablets.
With these precautions, Alka-Seltzer can surely become your new favorite multi-tasker!
Buy some Alka-Seltzer and try some of these hacks!