Metal water bottles are an environmentally friendly way of staying hydrated. They cost-effectively transport liquids while offering better durability than plastic and glass bottles. If you go with stainless steel, you will also enjoy a self-healing process that ensures that your bottle remains looking good as new.

However, like other bottles, it is important to keep them clean and smelling fresh at all times. With neglect, stainless steel water bottles could start to smell and affect the taste of beverages. Also, proper cleaning will keep unwanted bacteria from resting on the mouth and cap of the bottle. Therefore, if you want to clean your metal water bottle effectively, keep reading and follow these simple steps.

Cleaning The Exterior

The exterior of your water bottle will probably come in contact with the most germs. Therefore, it will need regular cleaning. If you clean it daily, it’s even better for your health. When cleaning the exterior of the bottle, however, you have to ensure that you do not dent or use harsh chemicals that may affect your health.

Cleaning with white vinegar is an effective way of disinfecting the exterior of the bottle opening. This amazing cleaning agent has a level of acidity that can cut through grease, dirt, grime, and any other germs that may be lurking on your bottle.

Use two tablespoons of white vinegar, two drops of liquid soap, and half a cup of warm water to clean the bottle. Use a soft cloth and gently rub the surface in small circles. Cover the area completely in the solution before rinsing with cold running water. Pay attention to the rim of the mouth as this is where bacteria could hide.

For a more abrasive approach, you could go for a scrub made from baking soda. Baking soda has the same anti-microbial properties as vinegar. Therefore, it is a great cleaning agent for the exterior of the bottle.

It can cut through grease, bacteria, stickiness, and anything else that could cling to the surface of the bottle. To clean the surface using baking soda, create a paste using one part water and two parts baking soda. Rub the paste on the surface of the bottle evenly. Concentrate on parts with stuck grime and sticky substances. Then rinse well with cold water.

Cleaning The Interior Of The Bottle

Cleaning the interior of the bottle is the tricky part. You can’t reach all the way inside like you would a cup. Nonetheless, you must ensure that it is clean and free from any bacteria. If you do not clean the bottle properly, you can expect a bad smell as well as retention of flavors from liquids with a stronger flavor profile.

1) Vinegar

Use white vinegar to clean the bottle. Since you already know all the great properties of white vinegar, you can expect nothing but a clean and fresh bottle. Pour a few tablespoons of white vinegar into the bottle, then close the lid. Give the bottle a proper shake to ensure that it coats the inside properly. Don’t pour out the liquid yet; instead, fill the bottle halfway with warm water.

Take a bottle brush and scrub the insides thoroughly. Next, close the lid and shake the liquid in the bottle again. If you do not have a bottle brush, throw a soft cloth into the bottle, replace the lid and give it a good shake. Also, use a soft cloth to wipe the inside of the mouth to remove bacteria and dirt. Pour the solution, then add hot water for rinsing.

2) Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another great cleaning agent for the interior of your metal water bottle. If you have any in your first aid kit, whip some out and watch it give your bottle a fresh clean. Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is a solution popular in the food industry for killing bacteria and other microorganisms, especially in food-packaging materials.

Before cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, rinse the bottle with hot water first. Then apply the hydrogen peroxide using a bottle brush, scrubbing carefully to remove grime and build-up. Rinse the metal bottle with hot water multiple times to ensure all remnants of hydrogen peroxide disappear.

Cleaning The Cap Of The Bottle

The lid of the bottle is the first indicator that your bottle needs a thorough cleaning. The lid will retain a bad smell indicating flavor retention and bacteria too. The lid could also hold a lot of dirt and grime. Sometimes, it could even hold a slimy feel.

To clean the lid of the bottle, soak it in a solution of baking soda and water. Leave it there for two to three hours to loosen any dirt and penetrate the hard-to-reach spots. After some time, rinse the lid with a dish soap and hot water solution.

After this, you should get a Q-tip to remove any dirt lingering in the groves and hard-to-reach spots. Rinse in the hot water and dish soap solution as you remove dirt using the Q-tip. When you finish, rinse with hot water, and your lid is ready to protect the content of your bottle.

Alternatively, you could soak the cap in vinegar for 15 minutes if you do not mind the smell. This will also get rid of the musty smell coming from the cap.

Pro Tip: If your metal water bottle comes with a straw, you can use these same cleaning supplies to clean the straw. You can also use dish soap to clean the straw. Additionally, a pipe cleaner will help to scrub the inside of the straw. Moreover, after washing the bottle, lid, and straw, you should let them air dry. Air drying not only ensures that all moisture dries from the bottle but will also help to get rid of any musty odor. Besides this, you should have an easy time caring for your metal water bottle.