Mountain Dew—a neon yellow-green soda with a tangy-sweet kick—has developed a cult following over the years. While it’s marketed as an energizing beverage packed with flavor, the truth about Mountain Dew might leave you reconsidering its place in your fridge. This fizzy drink is so potent that it doubles as an effective household cleaner, capable of tackling grime, rust, grease, and more. But if Mountain Dew can clean your shower tiles or polish metal, what does that mean for your health when you drink it?

Let’s delve into the surprising “benefits” of Mountain Dew for cleaning and why these very properties make it a poor choice for your health.

1. Cleans Grime Off Shower Tiles

Mountain Dew’s acidity is strong enough to dissolve soap scum and grime from shower tiles. Its citric acid content works as a natural cleaner, breaking down stubborn residues with ease. While this might make it a convenient household cleaner, it raises serious concerns about what it does to your teeth and stomach lining.

Why It’s Bad for You: The citric acid in Mountain Dew doesn’t just clean tiles—it also erodes tooth enamel, the protective layer on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and discoloration. The acidic nature of the soda can also irritate the stomach lining, contributing to acid reflux and digestive discomfort.

2. Dissolves Grease Buildup on Stoves

Greasy stovetops can be a nightmare to clean, but Mountain Dew’s acidity cuts through the grease effortlessly. This cleaning power is impressive, but it’s a sign of just how corrosive the soda really is.

Why It’s Bad for You: If Mountain Dew can dissolve grease, imagine what it does to the fats and oils in your body. Consuming excessive amounts of acidic beverages like Mountain Dew can disrupt your digestive balance and damage the delicate tissues in your esophagus and stomach. The high sugar content also contributes to inflammation, increasing your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

3. Loosens Rust from Small Metal Objects

Rusty tools or screws? A soak in Mountain Dew can loosen rust and restore these items to their former glory. The soda’s phosphoric acid content breaks down rust effectively.

Why It’s Bad for You: Phosphoric acid may work wonders on metal, but in your body, it’s a different story. Regular consumption of phosphoric acid is linked to reduced bone density because it leaches calcium from your bones. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures over time. Additionally, phosphoric acid can disrupt the balance of minerals in your body, leading to kidney issues.

4. Polishes Chrome Bike Parts

Mountain Dew can restore the shine to chrome surfaces, making bike parts gleam like new. The soda’s combination of acidity and carbonation removes tarnish and buildup with minimal effort.

Why It’s Bad for You: The same acidic compounds that polish chrome can wreak havoc on your internal organs. When consumed regularly, Mountain Dew’s high levels of acidity and sugar promote systemic inflammation, which can affect your cardiovascular health, liver function, and overall immune system. Chronic inflammation has been linked to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

5. Removes Dried Stains from Car Upholstery

Dried stains on car upholstery can be stubborn, but Mountain Dew’s carbonation and acidity help lift tough stains. It’s a quick fix for car cleaning emergencies, but it also serves as a red flag for what it might be doing inside your body.

Why It’s Bad for You: The sugar and acidic compounds in Mountain Dew that break down stains also contribute to tooth decay, weight gain, and insulin resistance. The high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) found in the soda has been linked to increased fat accumulation in the liver, raising the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

6. Cleans Tough Dirt Off Garden Tools

Garden tools caked with dirt can be restored with a simple rinse in Mountain Dew. The soda’s effervescence and acidity break down dirt and grime effectively.

Why It’s Bad for You: If Mountain Dew can clean tough dirt, it’s worth considering how its components interact with your body. The high sugar content—about 46 grams per 12-ounce can—is far above the recommended daily intake. Excessive sugar consumption contributes to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, putting strain on nearly every system in your body.

7. Neutralizes Odors in Kitchen Drains

Mountain Dew’s acidity is strong enough to neutralize odors in kitchen drains. Pouring it down the drain can help break up clogs and leave your sink smelling fresh.

Why It’s Bad for You: The ability to neutralize odors underscores how potent Mountain Dew’s ingredients are. In your digestive system, this acidic concoction can disrupt your gut microbiome, the balance of good bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Regular consumption of sugary, acidic beverages can lead to bloating, indigestion, and compromised immune function.

8. Restores Shine to Dull Metal Surfaces

Dull metal surfaces can regain their shine with a little help from Mountain Dew. Its unique combination of acids and carbonation removes tarnish and leaves metal gleaming.

Why It’s Bad for You: While Mountain Dew’s acidic properties might be great for cleaning metal, they’re far less kind to your body. Over time, the consistent consumption of acidic drinks can lead to enamel erosion, acid reflux, and damage to the esophagus. Additionally, the caffeine in Mountain Dew can contribute to dehydration, increased heart rate, and disrupted sleep patterns, further diminishing your overall health.

The Bigger Picture: What Are You Really Drinking?

If Mountain Dew can tackle grease, rust, and grime, it’s worth questioning its effects on the human body. The same properties that make it an effective cleaner—its high acidity, sugar content, and chemical additives—make it harmful when consumed regularly.

Here’s a summary of the main concerns:

Tooth Decay: The combination of citric acid and sugar erodes enamel, leading to cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Bone Loss: Phosphoric acid leaches calcium from bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Inflammation: High sugar levels and HFCS promote chronic inflammation, which can trigger a range of health issues.

Digestive Disruption: The acidity can irritate the stomach lining and disrupt the gut microbiome.

Weight Gain: With its high calorie and sugar content, Mountain Dew contributes to obesity and metabolic disorders.

Final Thoughts: Choose Better for Your Body

Mountain Dew might be a convenient cleaning solution, but that’s where its usefulness should end. Drinking it regularly exposes your body to an acidic, sugar-laden cocktail that undermines your health in multiple ways. Instead of reaching for a can of Mountain Dew, opt for hydrating, nutrient-rich beverages like water, herbal teas, or fresh juices that support your body rather than harm it.

Your health is worth more than the temporary satisfaction of a sugary soda. Choose wisely, and let your beverages nourish and sustain you—not just clean your tools.