The Core Scientific Reality.
โยฐ Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid. When you combine it with baking soda, it creates an acid-base neutralization reaction that fizzes & releases carbon dioxide. While it creates a mild bubbling effect, the acid in the soda is heavily diluted by the water, dish soap, & baking soda.
โPractical Safety & Health Concerns.
โยฐ WD-40 is a petroleum distillate lubricant meant for mechanical parts, hinges, & rust prevention, not for cookware. Even after washing with soap & water, microscopic petroleum residues can linger on porous aluminum or thin metal surfaces. Heating that pan up later for cooking can release toxic fumes or contaminate your food.
โยฐ Scrubbing aluminum with harsh chemical hacks can sometimes cause oxidation or discoloration if left too long, though baking soda is generally safe if used lightly.
ยฐ โFinal Verdict.
โWhile baking soda & dish soap are great cleaners, adding WD-40 & Coca-Cola is an unnecessary, gimmicky step that introduces chemical safety risks to your kitchenware.
ยฐ โRecommendation: Skip the WD-40 & Coca-Cola entirely. If you want a safe, highly effective homemade paste to clean burnt pots, just mix baking soda & dish soap with a little warm water directly into a paste, it works wonders without the toxic petroleum additives.