You want to clean your drinking bottle – made easy: incl. instructions you'll find everything you need to know here. With the following tips and tricks, you'll restore your bottle to its former glory in no time. We'll show you how to quickly and sustainably get rid of unpleasant odors and even mold – whether it's made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic.
Why it's so important to clean drinking bottles regularly
At the latest, when your drinking bottle smells unpleasant or you discover mold inside, it becomes clear: The bottle needs a thorough cleaning. Actually, it would be advisable to clean the container after each use. But in everyday life, that's quickly forgotten. After sports, a hike or bike ride, we empty the remains and put the bottle back in its place.
This way bacteria can spread unchecked – even if only water was filled in. Your saliva contains bacteria that inevitably get into the inside of the bottle when you drink. Mold formation occurs especially when you transport other liquids. Juices and soft drinks are at the top of the suspect list in particular.
This is why it's so important to clean drinking bottles regularly – whether plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. Anyone who is out and about a lot, such as with trekking poles on tour or while trekking, knows: A hygienic bottle is just as important as the right equipment.
Cleaning your drinking bottle – made easy: The step-by-step instructions
Don't worry! Cleaning a drinking bottle is neither difficult nor time-consuming. You even have different options to choose from. If you want to make it particularly easy for yourself, we recommend using a stainless steel drinking bottle. The models from Alpin Loacker are particularly easy to care for and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Only the closure made from sustainable bamboo is not suitable for this.
If, on the other hand, you want to clean aluminum or plastic bottles or prefer to clean your stainless steel drinking bottle by hand, proceed as follows:
Step 1: Fill the bottle with hot water
Fill your bottle with hot water, screw the cap on tightly and shake the bottle vigorously several times.
Step 2: Let the bottle dry upside down
Repeat the process once more and then let the bottle dry upside down. To allow all moisture to escape properly, you should place it slightly at an angle. Alternatively, you can also use a clean kitchen towel to dry it.
Step 3: Additionally use a bottle brush
If you've transported juices, tea or coffee, you should additionally rinse the drinking bottle with a bottle brush. This way you'll reliably remove stubborn residues from the bottom of the bottle.
Cleaning the mouthpiece and cap correctly
The mouthpiece or cap of your drinking bottle needs separate cleaning. This way you avoid mold, because liquid is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. You also prevent your drinking bottle from smelling unpleasant.
To clean the cap of a plastic or stainless steel bottle, proceed as follows:
- First remove the rubber seal and clean it with a soft cloth under running water.
- Rinse the cap thoroughly with hot water and a little dish soap.
- Dry all components with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the cap and seal air dry completely before reassembling.
This way bad smells and mold don't stand a chance. This is especially practical on longer tours – for example when you're on a tour with an ultralight backpack on winter hikes or with a foldable trekking pole in your luggage and want to refill your bottle daily.
Which home remedies are suitable for cleaning?
In addition to hot water and dish soap, there are a number of home remedies that help clean your drinking bottle. Some tips from social media are surprisingly helpful, others can harm your health. Here's an overview:
- Baking powder or baking soda: Top! A teaspoon with warm water reliably removes odors and mild contamination.
- Vinegar: Top! A mixture of water and vinegar has antibacterial properties and removes limescale – ideal for stainless steel bottles.
- Lemon juice: Top! Fresh lemon juice eliminates odors and provides a clean shine.
- Rice as a scrubbing aid: Top! Together with warm water and dish soap, rice mechanically cleans the bottom of the bottle.
- Dishwasher tablets: Flop! They contain aggressive ingredients that can be harmful to health in concentrated form.
- Denture cleaner: Flop! Although it removes discoloration, the ingredients are not suitable for drinking vessels.
A high-quality stainless steel drinking bottle stays hygienic and ready for use for years with these simple remedies – whether in everyday life, during sports or on long trekking tours.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning drinking bottles
How often should I clean my drinking bottle?
Ideally after each use – at least rinse with hot water. We recommend a thorough cleaning with dish soap and a bottle brush at least once or twice a week, daily for juices or tea.
Can I put my stainless steel drinking bottle in the dishwasher?
The stainless steel bottles from Alpin Loacker are dishwasher-safe. However, you should only clean bamboo closures by hand so that the natural material is not damaged.
What helps if the drinking bottle smells unpleasant?
Fill the bottle with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda or a little vinegar, let the mixture sit for several hours and then rinse thoroughly. This reliably neutralizes odors.