All The Ways You Should Be Using Kool-Aid Around Your Home
Even though it was once a childhood beverage staple, there's a good chance Kool-Aid probably hasn't crossed your mind — or appeared in your pantry — for years. The sugary sweet drink of our youth comes in over 22 flavors and varieties, from the traditional powder to liquid drops to Jammers pouches and Bursts bottles. But its versatility doesn't end in the bottom of your glass.
The classic powder can actually be used in numerous ways around your home for everything from cleaning to art projects. Its effectiveness has been celebrated by industry experts and corroborated by science. Plus, a single packet of mix is incredibly cheap (around $0.30), so its affordability can't be beat. After trying it yourself, it will become a staple in your cleaning routines. Read on to learn all the different ways you'll be saying "Ooooh, yeah" as you cut through grime, erase stains, detect plumbing problems, and create art with Kool-Aid.
Clean your dishwasher
In order to keep your dishwasher running in tip-top shape, experts advise regularly cleaning it. Aim for at least once a month, but if you have hard water or use it heavily, you'll want to clean even more frequently. While there are a plethora of products available to do this for you, what if an excellent, highly affordable option was accessible and already waiting in your pantry? If you've got a packet of unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid, you're in luck! It's important to note that you must use this specific flavor in order for the hack to work. Empty your dishwasher, pour the whole packet into the detergent dispenser, and then run it on your machine's hottest, lengthiest cycle. Once it's finished, use a clean sponge to wipe away any loosened debris.
The science behind why this works so effectively comes down to one ingredient — citric acid. It's the first ingredient in the lemonade flavor, and it really packs a punch when it comes to descaling and removing build-up. Its molecules bond to metallic components. Because rust and hard water possess metal elements, citric acid can bind to them, break them down, and ensure a thorough clean.
Clean your toilet bowl
Scrubbing the toilet doesn't rank high on the list of favorite chores for most people. More often than not, it's a labor-intensive, harsh chemical-ridden, wholly unpleasant task. Save yourself the scouring and look in your kitchen instead. We'll let you in on an easy hack and explain why you should use Kool-Aid to clean your toilet bowl. Once again, choosing the right flavor is essential for success. It's also best to do it at night, before you go to sleep, so the process has time to work without disruption. Grab a packet of orange or lemonade Kool-Aid, sprinkle it in the bowl, stir with a clean toilet brush, and walk away. In the morning, flush the toilet and enjoy your fresh, ring-free commode.
Citric acid in the orange and lemonade flavors is the powerhouse ingredient that makes this hack both scientifically proven and effective. Per Conyers Plumbing, citric acid can cut through stubborn stains and break down harsh buildup left behind by hard water.
Test for toilet leaks
Plumbers are valuable, highly skilled experts who can diagnose and repair just about anything that goes awry with your pipes. However, all of that expertise comes with a steep bill. If you suspect a leak in your toilet, first check it with Kool-Aid. It's easy to do, backed by experts in the industry, and your diagnostic bill will be less than $1. Plus, catching the leak (and fixing it) will save you tons of water and money in the long run. According to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, a proponent of this hack, a leaking toilet can use 90,000 gallons of water in only one month! To test at home, grab a packet of purple or red Kool-Aid (you want it to be a dark color), and pour it into the toilet tank. Wait half an hour, and then check the bowl. The water should be clear, so if you instead see the color of the Kool-Aid in the bowl, that means you've got a leak.
This simple test is a great way to pinpoint your problem. Colored water in the bowl definitively tells you that water is leaking from the tank into the bowl. Oftentimes, it's caused by the flapper gasket or fill valve. If you're handy, you might be able to repair these parts yourself. The experts at Alligator Plumbing support the use of Kool-Aid to diagnose but recommend leaving the repairs to a licensed plumber.
Clean your washing machine
We rely on our washing machines to do a lot — from cleaning sweaty gym clothes to stinky dog blankets to dirty gardening pants and everything in between — but these hardworking appliances need their own TLC to withstand our daily demands. Just like your dishwasher, you should plan to clean your washing machine every 30 days. All of that dirt, dog hair, and detergent can build up quickly. You may notice a sour smell on your clothes or funkiness emanating from the drum. To get things fresh again, grab a packet of Kool-Aid to deep clean your washing machine. Make sure the drum is empty, then pour a quarter cup of orange or lemonade powder directly into the drum, and run a normal wash cycle.
Professional house cleaners, like Mini Maid of Albuquerque, love the ease and affordability of this hack — plus, it produces great results. If your washing machine is especially gnarly and you need to repeat the process, it won't break the bank or require hours of scrubbing. Its success is all thanks, again, to citric acid — the first ingredient for both the orange and lemonade flavors of Kool-Aid. The acid cuts through the built-up film and dissolves it, and then everything can be washed away by the machine.
Remove tarnish from silverware
Whether your silverware set has been in your family for generations or you just picked up a pretty assortment at an antique shop, tarnish can ruin its appearance and force you to leave your favorite flatware in the drawer. Silver polish is a tried-and-true cleanser, but using it can be time consuming and tedious. For a much quicker solution that won't put a dent in your wallet, reach for a packet of lemonade or orange Kool-Aid. Empty the packet into a large container, pour in two quarts of water, one cup of sugar, and stir together. Then add all of your tarnished silverware, allowing it to soak in the Kool-Aid bath for 10 minutes. The tarnish should now easily wipe off with a soft cloth. Make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly before placing back in storage.
This hack is scientifically-backed by the citric acid in the lemonade and orange flavors. Experts across the board — from home repair pros like Bob Vila to design powerhouses like Architectural Digest — tout the proven proficiency of citric acid to remove oxidation from aged silverware. Your best bet at preventing oxidation from returning is proper storage, because exposure to air is a main cause of tarnish. Wrap your special silverware in soft cloth and store in a resealable bag between uses.
Clean rust from concrete
Has your concrete driveway seen better days? Maybe it's covered in old, unsightly stains, or perhaps there's just one area with a notoriously tough rust stain. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals or renting a commercial-strength pressure washer, it's Kool-Aid to the rescue yet again. For this hack, stick to lemonade Kool-Aid, and you'll also need a stiff brush. Depending on the size of the stain(s) on your concrete, you may need several packets of powder. Mix the Kool-Aid with a small amount of water — just enough to create a paste — and then apply it to your stained concrete with a stiff brush. Scrub until you see the stain lifting, and then rinse with water. If any stain remains, repeat the process and let the paste sit longer before scrubbing.
While we didn't find any scientific backing for this hack, there are numerous concrete contractors, remodelers, and cleaning companies who share this surprising tip and speak highly of its efficacy. We know that citric acid is a proven rust dissolver, and since citric acid is the first ingredient of lemonade Kool-Aid, it makes sense that the powdered mix would be a smart choice for combatting stains. Even if it doesn't give you the results you hoped for, you'll only be out $0.30 for the cost of a Kool-Aid packet, so you don't need to worry about wasting your hard-earned dough.
Keep geese out of your yard
If you're lucky enough to live near a body of water, you probably enjoy perks like beautiful views, relaxing sounds, and an interesting array of wildlife. But for all the pros, there can be one major con — geese in your yard. These ultra territorial birds have a reputation for being mean, aggressive, and scary. If you're fine with them from afar but don't want them on your turf, try this simple Kool-Aid trick to keep geese out of your yard.
Yes, the sweet beverage can be used as an effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly deterrent. Begin by mixing five packets of (unsweetened) grape powder into one gallon of water. Spray the solution in the areas of your yard that geese frequent. Make sure to apply thoroughly because a few sparse spritzes won't suffice. Be ready to reapply the mixture in the event of heavy rain.
If you don't have grape on hand, can you use another flavor? No. The reason this hack works is because of a key compound in grape flavoring called methyl anthranilate. Geese hate its scent and actively avoid contact with it. Both ecologists and pest control professionals sing the praises of this deterrent, and appreciate the fact that it's safe for the environment and doesn't cause any harm to geese.
Tint white paint
We now know all of the ways in which Kool-Aid can be used to clean items throughout your house, but its usefulness doesn't stop there! It is an excellent medium to incorporate into arts and craft projects, and liven them up with cheerful, vibrant color. We especially love this hack that uses Kool-Aid to tint your white paint. If you want to do a lot of experimenting or your art project is small, start with a sample size can of white paint. Open your packet of Kool-Aid, add a tablespoon of water to the packet, and then stir into the paint can. The amount of water you add will impact the intensity of the color.
Scores of mom bloggers are big fans of doing paint projects with Kool-Aid due to the low cost and wide variety of colors. However, they do warn about the possibility of staining, so make sure to protect your workspace and don't let any little helpers go rogue with their paint brushes. An added bonus? It smells great!