The Best Ways To Clean Plastic or Metal Drink Bottles

Reusable water bottles we all use them, plastic and metal.

They are refilled day after day and go everywhere with us. They are convenient, cost effective and a great way of stopping the never ending trail of plastic into our already busting at the seams landfill areas. How often, though, do we clean or even think about cleaning them? More importantly, how do we clean our drink bottles effectively and efficiently?

Stored in the car, on the kitchen bench or in the garden shed with the lids on may keep the creepy crawlies out but unfortunately, when left for long periods (or even short) of time, they can develop unpleasant tastes, odours, bacteria and mould. These nasties thrive especially well in dark and moist environments.

Even though we may be doing the right thing by ensuring that our drink bottles are BPA free or using a metal bottle as an alternative, if we are not keeping it properly cleaned we are exposing ourselves and our families to all sorts of germs. With metal bottles, remember to ensure that if you are using aluminium that the liner and lid are also BPA free. Stainless steel bottles don’t need a liner.

So, what are the best, cheapest and most effective ways of keeping plastic and aluminium drink bottles clean and germ free?

Put Them In The Dishwasher

The easiest way would be just to toss it in the dishwasher upside down in the top tray of your dishwasher at the end of every day. If you don’t have a dishwasher, or yours just isn’t cleaning them out sufficiently, then try some of these alternatives below.

However if you have one of those water bottles that you recycled from buying bottled water – these will melt in the dishwasher – plus they aren’t designed to be refilled so let’s avoid buying them altogether huh!

Grab a good quality reusable water bottle that will last a lifetime! 

Via Biome Eco Store

Use a Bit of Gumption

If your drink bottle is especially yucky then try using Gumption to bring them back to new. Fill up your sink with super-hot to boiling water and add a spoonful of Gumption and mix it around. Pop the bottles in and leave to soak for at least thirty minutes. The special soap formulation breaks down grime and gently removes dirt particles to leave them sparkling and clean. Rinse with clean water and allow them to dry.

The Rice Trick

Now this trick isn’t just for drink bottles – it also works incredibly well for baby bottles too and brings them back to being shiny and looking new!  Grab some raw rice (any sort) and place about a tablespoon in the bottom of the bottle.  Add a tiny squirt of dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup water.  Place the lid on and shake it really really well.

Rinse and your bottle will be impeccably clean!

Other Cleaning Remedies for Water Bottles

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and is very effective with cleaning drink bottles. Wash with soap and hot water first, then refill the bottle with hot water, adding a couple of tablespoons of white or cider vinegar. This can be left to soak overnight and is great for killing most germs and bacteria. Just rinse out and either allow to dry naturally or refill to go again.

Baking or bicarb soda found in most pantries can also be used to clean your drink bottles. Use a couple of heaped teaspoons of baking soda and warm water, mix together, and let soak for a few hours. Then rinse out with hot water and mild dishwashing detergent.

If You Want Extra Extra Clean…..

After washing and drying your bottle, freezing it can kill any remaining bacteria. You may also store your bottle this way if you have room in the freezer, then when you fill it for reuse the water will stay cold just that little bit longer.

Whichever method you choose to use, it is important that the drink bottles, whether they be plastic or metal, be allowed to dry completely before storing for future use.  Also, store without the lid on. This will prevent bacteria growing before you are ready to refill and maintain a clean, hygienic container

 Give these tips a go and bring your drink bottles back to life.

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