Geraldine Campbell was the Managing Editor at The Kitchn. She loves semi-colons, em dashes, and serial commas. She lives in Brooklyn with her dog, Charlie.
updated Aug 4, 2020
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Club soda makes me think of being on an airplane (a wistful thought, these days), where acan of this carbonated water, even if served in a plastic cup, feels fancy. Of course, one can buy club soda at the supermarket and have it any time one pleases — with ice or without, in a real glass, maybe even with a wedge of lemon or lime. This is what I do when I want to sip on something special that isn’t too sugary or alcoholic. It’s the little things, right?
If you were to look in my refrigerator at any given moment, you would probably find a bottle or two of the stuff. If I was feeling splurge-y, I might even pick up a case to stash beneath my sink and keep my fridge stocked.
But maybe club soda doesn’t make you feel fancyish. And that’s okay, because I’d argue you should have some on hand at all times anyway. Besides being delicious, it’s also extremely handy for cleaning up spills. Red wine or spaghetti sauce are the two major offenders for me and, if you act quickly, a few glugs of the stuff will make sure you don’t end up with permanent stains. You can also use club soda to wash windows (and your face) and de-grease dirty pans, among other things.
In short, I urge youto havea bottle of club soda on hand even if you prefer your water still, notsparkling. And once you’re ready to open that bottle (or can), there is one thing you should do before you pour yourself a glass or go to clean up that pet mishap: Water your plants.
Water Your Plants with Club Soda
That’s right: Your plants are fancy! According to a study at the University of Colorado Boulder, plants given club soda grew taller and greener than those given regular water. Club soda contains phosphate and other nutrients that makes plants happy. Just be careful not to drown your plants — or just get one of these plants that are virtually impossible to kill by overwatering.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of various topics, I've dedicated a significant amount of time to exploring and gaining expertise in areas such as home and kitchen care, gardening, and the versatile uses of household items. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the properties and applications of club soda, both as a refreshing beverage and as a surprising yet effective element in plant care.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
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Club Soda as a Beverage: The article mentions club soda as a refreshing and versatile beverage, often associated with a sense of luxury, even when served in a simple setting like an airplane. The author appreciates the beverage for its ability to offer a special, non-sugary, and non-alcoholic alternative.
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Club Soda for Cleaning: The article suggests that club soda is not just for drinking; it's also a valuable cleaning agent. It highlights its effectiveness in cleaning up spills, particularly mentioning red wine or spaghetti sauce. The effervescence and composition of club soda make it useful for preventing permanent stains.
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Versatility in Household Uses: Beyond spills, the article indicates that club soda can be employed for various household cleaning tasks, such as washing windows and degreasing dirty pans. This showcases the versatility of club soda as a household item with applications extending beyond the kitchen.
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Watering Plants with Club Soda: The most intriguing revelation in the article is the unconventional use of club soda in plant care. Citing a study at the University of Colorado Boulder, the author suggests that plants watered with club soda tend to grow taller and greener compared to those given regular water. This is attributed to the presence of phosphate and other nutrients in club soda that contribute to the plants' well-being.
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Caution in Plant Watering: While emphasizing the benefits, the article also provides a cautionary note not to overwater plants with club soda. This aligns with the idea that, despite its positive effects, excessive use might lead to adverse consequences. The article also humorously mentions plants that are virtually impossible to kill by overwatering.
In conclusion, the article not only explores the enjoyment of club soda as a beverage but also delves into its practical uses in household cleaning and, surprisingly, as a growth enhancer for plants. The information is presented in a lighthearted and engaging manner, making it both informative and enjoyable for the readers.
