Do you often have frizzy drinks left in your home which go flat pretty quickly? Well, it turns out there is a surprising way you can reuse them instead of throwing them out.

Neil Mckenzie, a home and garden expert at Halton Stairlifts, has revealed that the leftover dregs of fizzy drinks can be effectively repurposed in your garden.

Even better the item will only set you back 49p from supermarket Asda or 49p in Sainsbury’s.

However, it is worth noting that it is best to dilute fizzy pop with water before using it on plants to avoid sugar buildup that can attract pests.

You might also want to avoid using too much fizzy drink in one spot, as excessive sugar can attract unwanted insects and animals.

Finally, regular fizzy drinks work best; diet options lack sugar, and dark colas contain dyes that could stain. Let’s take a look at the ways you can reuse leftover cola:

Fertilise plants

Mckenzie said: “Use fizzy drinks to give plants a sugar boost, especially houseplants or acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. The sugar content can help promote microbial activity in the soil.”

Weed killer

Use fizzy drinks on driveways and paths to “kill weeds”. The sugar in these drinks “attracts microorganisms that produce waste”, which can kill the plants.

Compost accelerator

Pouring leftover fizzy drinks into your compost can “speed up” the decomposition process. The sugar feeds microorganisms, helping them break down organic matter more quickly.

Slug and snail trap

Slugs and snails are attracted to the sugar in fizzy drinks. “Pour some into a shallow dish and place it in the garden”, he said. Pests will be “drawn to it” and get trapped.

Bug spray

Mix fizzy drinks with liquid soap to create a “natural insect spray”. This can deter aphids and other small insects from your plants.

Flower preservative

Add fizzy drinks to water in a vase to keep cut “flowers fresh longer”. The sugar feeds the stems, prolonging their life.

Boost lawn health

Mckenzie explained: “Spraying diluted fizzy drinks on your lawn can promote lush growth. The sugar feeds beneficial microbes in the soil.”

Clean garden tools

Use fizzy drinks like cola to clean rusty or dirty garden tools. “Its acidic properties help remove rust and grime,” he added.

Revitalise compost pile

Mckenzie recommended: “If your compost pile is dry or slow, adding soda can introduce moisture and nutrients, helping to break down the organic material faster.”

Enhance soil acidity

Mckenzie said: “Use fizzy drinks on acid-loving plants to lower the pH of the soil slightly. This is beneficial for plants like hydrangeas, gardenias, and rhododendrons.”