The Core Scientific Reality. ​° 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. ​Practical Safety & Health Concerns. ​° 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. ​° 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. ° ​Final Verdict. ​While 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. ° ​Recommendation: 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.