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How to Clean, Sanitize & Disinfect Water Bottles
Learn how to use Clorox® Bleach to properly clean, sanitize, disinfect and remove mold from stainless steel bottles and plastic water jugs.
When you think of germy places in your home, you probably think of your toilet, your door handles or your phone. But you should include your reusable water bottle on that list – especially if you’re not washing it regularly. Bacteria from our mouths can be deposited inside every time we take a swig, and the outside of the bottle can pick up germs and sweat if you take it with you to the gym or on your commute.
Ideally, you should clean your water bottle with dish soap and hot water every day. But for times you need to go a step further, we’ll show you how to sanitize and disinfect it with bleach.
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What you need
Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX® - Concentrated Formula
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Dishpan
Steps to sanitize a water bottle
Pre-wash
Wash water bottle with dish detergent and water, then rinse with clean water.
Soak
Soak empty water bottle in a solution of 2 tsp of Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX® per gallon of water and wait 2 minutes for sanitizing.
Air dry
Drain and allow to air dry. No rinsing is required.
Steps to disinfect a water bottle
Pre-wash
Wash water bottle with dish detergent and water, then rinse.
Soak
Soak empty water bottle in a solution of 1/3 cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX® per gallon of water and wait 6 minutes for disinfecting.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with water.
Air dry
Drain and allow to air dry.
If your water bottle has mold inside, follow the disinfecting steps above and increase the soaking time to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you put water bottles in the dishwasher?
It depends. Check the bottom of your bottle for care instructions or symbols. Some bottles will say “dishwasher safe” or “top rack only,” or you may see a square with plates in the middle, which means it’s safe to wash on the top rack. If you are unsure, it’s best to play it safe and hand wash only to avoid any warping or discoloring of the material.