Want to clean your water bottle but don't know how? With these tips and tricks, you can give your bottle a new shine in no time at all.
We'll tell you how to get rid of unpleasant odors and even mould quickly and sustainably. Ready?
Why is it so important to clean drinking bottles regularly?
At the latest when your drinking bottle smells or you see mold inside, it becomes clear: the bottle needs cleaning. It would actually be advisable to clean the container after every use. But we often forget such little things in everyday life.
- After sport,
- a hike
- or bike tour, we empty out the leftovers and put the bottle back in its place.
However, this allows bacteria and the like to spread unhindered- even if you have only filled it with water .
Your saliva also contains bacteria, which inevitably get inside the bottle when you drink from the rim. Mold growth, on the other hand, only occurs when you transport other liquids.
Juices and soft drinks are at the top of the list of suspects.
This is why it is so important to clean drinking bottles regularly. No matter whether
- Plastic,
- Stainless steel
- or aluminum.
All models need to be cleaned regularly. And now we'll show you the best way to do this!
How do I clean a drinking bottle?
Don't worry! Cleaning drinking bottlesis neither difficult nor time-consuming. You even have various options to choose from. If you want to make it particularly easy for yourself, we recommend using a stainless steel drinking bottle.
Our models are particularly easy to clean. You can clean them (or have them cleaned) in the dishwasher without any problems. Only the closure made from sustainable bamboo is not suitable for this.
However, if you want to clean aluminum or plastic bottles or prefer to clean your stainless steel drinking bottle by hand, it is best to proceed as follows:
Step 1: Fill the bottle with hot water
Fill your bottle with hot water. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the bottle well several times.
Step 2: Turn the bottle upside down to dry
Repeat the process one more time and then leave the bottle to dry upside down. To allow all the moisture to escape, you should place it at a slight angle.
Alternatively, you can of course also use a clean tea towel to dry off.
Step 3: Also use a bottle brush
If you have transported other liquids such as juices or coffee, you should also clean the bottle with a bottle brush.
How do I clean the mouthpiece of a drinking bottle?
The mouthpiece or lid of your drinking bottle needs to be cleaned separately. This way you avoid mold in the drinking bottle, as liquid is a good breeding ground for bacteria.
You can also prevent your drinking bottle from stinking this way.
To clean the mouthpiece or lid of a plastic or stainless steel bottle, you can proceed as follows:
- First remove the rubber seal and clean it with a soft cloth under running water.
- Now rinse the lid thoroughly with hot water and a little washing-up liquid.
- Dry all components well with a clean tea towel. Before you reassemble the lid and rubber seal, let them air dry a little to be on the safe side. This way, unpleasant odors and mold don't stand a chance.
Which household remedies are suitable for cleaning?
In addition to hot water and washing-up liquid, there are a number of different household remedies that are used to clean drinking bottles. Some of these tips from social media and forums are surprisingly helpful. Others are harmful to your health and are not recommended.
We'll now tell you which home remedies are "top" and which are "flops":
Dishwasher tabs
Although theydissolve stubborn stains, in their concentrated form they can harm you and your drinking bottle. If you bear in mind that they are responsible for cleaning the entire contents of the dishwasher, it quickly becomes clear that dishwasher tabs are not an option for cleaning your plastic or stainless steel bottle.
Coarse salt or rice
They are also considered an insider tip and are said to eliminate mold and odors. The core idea is not wrong at all. If coarse salt or uncooked rice grains are poured in and the bottle is shaken, the result is mechanical cleaning.
However, this will damage the material of all drinking bottle models. So it's better to stay away from these household remedies!
Vinegar
Vinegar has antibacterial properties and can reliably remove mold and odors from contaminated bottles. If your drinking bottle stinks, you can mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with hot water and use it to clean your stainless steel bottle.
However, this household remedy is not suitable for plastic or aluminum bottles, as the material can become porous.
Denture cleaner
This is a real all-rounder, unlike the previous home remedies. With the help of these special cleaning tablets, you can
- Stainless steel,
- Glass
- and plastic bottles with ease.
Simply fill the bottle with hot water and add a tab. The denture cleaner will do the rest.
Baking powder
Baking soda is also a tried and tested insider tip for stainless steel, glass and aluminum bottles. However, you should not use this inexpensive household remedy to clean plastic bottles.
All other models benefit from the cost-effective and effortless cleaning performance. You need one sachet of baking soda per bottle, which you fill into the bottle together with hot water. Simply leave to act and then rinse thoroughly. That's it.
Boil out
Many outdoor enthusiasts still consider boiling to be the ultimate way to clean a drinking bottle. However, not all materials can withstand the high temperatures. Plastic and glass in particular reach their limits here.
The rubber seals in the lid also do not withstand the disinfection method. This household remedy is therefore not recommended.
Citric acid
Just like vinegar, it has a germicidal effect and can work wonders if your drinking bottle stinks or mold has spread. However, you should never use citric acid pure, but dilute it with water first.
Can I clean my drinking bottle in the dishwasher?
ALPIN LOACKER drinking bottles can be cleaned in the dishwasher without hesitation. Only the bamboo lid should be cleaned by hand. For other models, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Aluminum or plastic bottles in particular often cannot withstand the high temperatures. Colored drinking bottles are also often not dishwasher-safe, as this cleaning method sooner or later literally "takes the paint off".
Do drinking bottles also need to be disinfected?
Disinfecting is often synonymous with boiling. As you know, most drinking bottles cannot withstand this high heat. Normally, it is not even necessary to disinfect your bottle.
You should only take action if there is mold in the drinking bottle or if you notice unpleasant odors.
Here you can use special cleaning tablets or one of the household remedies listed above such as
- Vinegar,
- Citric acid
- or denture cleaner.
Expert tip: However, make sure that your drinking bottle is suitable for the appropriate cleaning method.
How often should I clean my water bottle?
Ideally, you should clean your water bottle after every use. However, this is only possible to a limited extent on a multi-day hike and there is often not enough time in other situations.
If you only use your bottle to transport drinking water, you don't need to worry about mold or odors. All you need to do is rinse the bottle carefully after use and give it a thorough clean from time to time.
However, if you use coffee or sugary drinks, this is not enough. In this case, you should actually clean your drinking bottle carefully after each use to avoid bacteria and mold.
How do I dry my drinking bottle after cleaning?
After cleaning, you can clean your drinking bottle with a clean tea towel. To do this, crumple up one end of the towel and wipe out the inside of the bottle. Alternatively, you can also leave your drinking bottle to dry upside down in a dish rack.
In both cases, it is important that you only unscrew the lid when everything is completely dry and there are no more water residues.
Conclusion
Depending on the model, cleaning your water bottle is quick and easy. In addition to the conventional cleaning method with hot water and washing-up liquid, some household remedies have also proven their worth in practice. Above all
- Baking powder,
- Denture cleaner,
- Vinegar
- and citric acid can serve you well.
However, always pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions. Plastic and aluminum bottles in particular do not withstand many cleaning methods.
If you would like to devote your time to things other than cleaning drinking bottles, you should take a look at our stainless steel bottles. They are dishwasher-safe and therefore very easy to clean.
Expert tip: To avoid unpleasant odors and mould, you can set the course in advance. If you rinse your equipment thoroughly with hot water after each use, bacteria and the like won't stand a chance.
FAQ
Why is it so important to clean drinking bottles regularly?
It is important to clean drinking bottles regularly, as bacteria and other germs can accumulate inside. Even when using water, bacteria from our saliva get into the bottle and can multiply there.
When using other liquids such as juices, there is also a risk of mold growth. Regular cleaning ensures hygienic use.
Can I clean my drinking bottle in the dishwasher?
ALPIN LOACKER drinking bottles are safe to clean in the dishwasher, except for the bamboo lid, which should be cleaned by hand. For other models, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Plastic and aluminum bottles often cannot withstand the high temperatures of the dishwasher, and colored drinking bottles can also be damaged by the dishwasher.
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