Alexei Volkov
Water containers are essential when camping, heading into the bush, or living out of a vehicle. They are also useful for storing water for aquariums and emergency preparedness. However, they can be challenging to clean, especially if they have a small opening. Here is a guide on how to clean plastic water containers, including removing musty smells and preventing recontamination.
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What You'll Learn
Use hot water and dish soap
To clean a plastic water container with hot water and dish soap, start by filling the container halfway with hot water. Then, add 3–5 drops of dish soap and screw the lid back on. Shake the bottle for about 30 seconds to mix the soap and water.
Next, pour out the soapy water and rinse the bottle with clean, warm water. If there is any stubborn buildup, scrub it with a sponge, bottle brush, or clean toothbrush. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the bottle and the rim near the opening. If necessary, squeeze a little more dish soap onto your brush to help remove any stubborn spots.
Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the bottle one more time with clean water. Finally, leave your bottle open to air dry overnight, or dry it completely with a clean dish towel or paper towel before using it again.
For a more intensive clean, you can also use a bleach solution after washing the container with hot water and dish soap. To do this, mix one teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach with one gallon or quart of water. Pour the bleach solution into the container, cover it tightly, and shake well so that the solution comes into contact with all inside surfaces. Wait at least 30 seconds, then pour out the solution and let the container air-dry before using it again.
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Bleach solution
Bleach is an effective way to sanitise water containers. It is important to note that you should not use raw bleach as it will degrade the container. Instead, a diluted bleach solution should be used.
Firstly, wash the water container with dish detergent and hot water. Rinse the container with clean water. Next, create a bleach solution by mixing one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water. The bleach should be unscented liquid chlorine bleach with 5-9% sodium hypochlorite. Clorox Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX® is a branded option.
Now, you can add the bleach solution to your water container. Ensure the solution comes into contact with all surfaces of the container. Let the solution sit for at least 30 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the level of sanitisation required. For example, to disinfect the container, it is recommended to wait for at least two hours to kill off any stubborn bacteria. If there is mould, increase the soaking time to 10 minutes.
Finally, rinse the container thoroughly with clean water. Repeat this process until the chlorine odour is gone. Allow the container to air dry before sealing it.
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Sanitise with chlorine bleach
Sanitising plastic water containers with chlorine bleach is an effective method to eliminate bacteria and other microbial contaminants. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Bleach Solution
Create a sanitising solution by mixing chlorine bleach with water. The ideal ratio is one tablespoon of bleach for every gallon of water. Ensure you use fresh bleach, as it degrades over time, losing its potency. For a smaller container, you can use one teaspoon of bleach for every quart of water.
Apply the Solution
Pour the bleach solution into the container, filling it halfway. Securely close the container and vigorously shake it for a few seconds. Let the container sit for a couple of minutes, then agitate it again.
Soaking and Disinfecting
After agitating, drain and rinse the container. To disinfect, allow the solution to sit in the container for at least two hours. This duration ensures the bleach solution effectively kills any bacteria or microbes. If your container has mould, increase the soaking time to about 10 minutes.
Rinsing and Drying
After disinfecting, thoroughly rinse the container with clean water. Drain the rinse water and allow the container to air-dry. You can also use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down the container before leaving it to dry.
Removing Bleach Odour
To eliminate any residual chlorine odour, leave the container open and upside down for a few days. While you may not completely get rid of the smell, a trace amount of chlorine in the container is harmless.
Safety Precautions
When working with bleach, always wear protective gear, including disposable gloves and eye protection. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling bleach fumes.
By following these steps, you can effectively sanitise your plastic water containers with chlorine bleach, ensuring they are clean and safe for water storage.
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Air dry or rinse well
Once you've cleaned your plastic water container, it's important to rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This step is crucial to ensure that any cleaning agents or residue are removed, making the container safe for storing water again.
Rinsing the container with clean water is a simple but effective way to remove any remaining traces of cleaning products, such as bleach, detergent, or other sanitizing solutions. This step helps to prevent any unwanted tastes or odours from lingering in the container, ensuring that your water stays fresh and clean-tasting. It also reduces the risk of any chemical residue contaminating the water, which could be harmful to your health.
After rinsing, it's a good idea to let the container air dry. This can be done by simply leaving the container open and upside down, allowing it to dry naturally. Air drying helps to ensure that all moisture is removed from the container, preventing the growth of mould or bacteria. It also allows any remaining sanitizing solution, such as bleach, to dissipate, reducing the risk of a strong chemical smell in your water.
If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe down the inside of the container after rinsing. This will help to absorb any remaining moisture, but be sure to use a clean, dry cloth to avoid introducing new contaminants.
Finally, before using the container again, it's always a good idea to rinse it one last time with fresh, clean water. This final rinse will ensure that your container is completely clean and safe for storing water, removing any traces of cleaning agents or residue, so you can confidently enjoy clean and safe water.
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Use vinegar or citric acid
Vinegar and citric acid are effective alternatives to bleach for cleaning plastic water containers. They are natural, food-safe substances that can remove water marks and odours without damaging the plastic.
To clean your plastic water container with vinegar, start by filling the container one-fifth full with white vinegar. Then, fill the container with warm water until it reaches the halfway point. Secure the container's lid and shake the solution for about 30 seconds to ensure the entire interior is coated. Leave the container to sit for at least one to two hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the vinegar adequate time to sanitise the container. Finally, dump the vinegar-water solution, rinse the container with clean, warm water, and dry it thoroughly. You can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry the inside, or let the container air dry with the lid off.
To clean smaller containers, such as water bottles, with vinegar, follow the same process but adjust the amounts accordingly. Fill the bottle one-fifth full with white vinegar and then add warm water until it reaches the halfway mark. Shake the bottle and let it sit overnight. In the morning, rinse the bottle with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Citric acid is another effective option for cleaning plastic water containers. For a small container with a capacity of about half a gallon, mix in a double dose of citric acid with the water. Secure the lid and shake the container vigorously to ensure the solution makes contact with the entire interior surface. Then, pour out the solution, rinse the container a couple of times with clean water, and allow it to dry.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash the container with hot water and dish soap. Then, create a sanitizing solution by mixing one teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. Close the container and shake it well, ensuring the solution touches all inside surfaces. Let the solution sit for at least 30 seconds, then pour it out and rinse the container with clean water.
To remove odours from your plastic water container, ensure the container is empty and has had its lid removed. Pour in one cup of white vinegar and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Let the container sit for 20-30 minutes, then rinse it out with clean water.
If there is algae or a biofilm inside your plastic water container, start by filling it with hot water and adding dish soap. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the container, shaking and rinsing it well. Then, create a sanitizing solution by mixing one teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. Close the container and shake it well, ensuring the solution touches all inside surfaces. Let the solution sit for at least 30 seconds, then pour it out and rinse the container with clean water.
