How to Clean and Care for Metal Bottles with a Straw
When you purchase a reusable metal water bottle, you are making a conscious choice to help protect the earth and to invest in your own health and well-being too. These products are constructed using the best materials on the market. The bottle itself is created using food service grade stainless steel, which keeps it free of chemicals found in plastic bottles. Components, such as the straw or sipping spout, are made from medical grade silicone and are totally safe.
To keep your bottle clean and well-maintained, you can follow some simple steps as part of your cleaning and care routine. By paying attention to timely cleaning, you'll help keep your water tasting great and will eliminate any bacteria build-up that might occur. If your lid has a special top, such as found in metal water bottles with a straw, you can follow some easy procedures to keep those parts clean too.
Sterilisation Before First Use
Before using your bottle and components for the first time, it's important to sterilize everything so you get off to a good start. Your new drinking system basically has two items to attend to, the silicone components and the metal bottle itself. The silicone items, such as the straw sipping spout and straw extender should be boiled for 5 minutes before you first use them. Please note that you should only boil the silicone, not the metal bottle.
To sterilize the metal bottle, you should boil a pot of water and take the water off the heat upon boiling. When the water is not boiling anymore, immerse the metal bottle in the water for 10 minutes. Be careful not to touch the hot bottles directly with your hands. Also, note that the metal bottles can never be placed in a microwave.
On-Going Cleaning of the Metal Bottle
When you have a drinking system, such as insulated bottles with a straw, you'll also want to regularly clean the metal bottle. The bottle is designed to be cleaned by hand, while the silicone components are designed to be dishwasher safe. For everyday use, the bottle can be cleaned by hand using mild soap, warm water and a bottle brush. Air drying is the best way to dry your bottle.
Occasionally, you will want to do a deeper cleaning for your reusable bottle. There are several good alternatives available that will help you keep your bottle as good as new. Some people use white vinegar. You can pour several tablespoons into the opening and then shake well, then add water and scrub using the bottle brush. Others use cleaning tablets, baking soda or solutions of hydrogen peroxide for their deep cleaning routine.
Making Sure the Straw is Clean
If you have a product for your young ones, such as kids water bottles with a straw, you'll want to make sure that you have the right brushes that help you keep the straw system clean. Within a bottle, the spout for the straw is part of the lid and then there is a straw extender that goes from the spout to deep within the bottle and drink.
You can buy specialised bottle brushes that are specifically designed for the small openings and to clean the length of the straw. These help you access hard-to-reach areas and make sure that all of the silicone components are clean. You can use mild soap and water for this process, or create a mix of water and vinegar to soak the straw in. It's also a good idea to run your straw brush kit through the dishwasher now and then.
If you follow some simple cleaning steps, you'll be able to keep your reusable metal water bottle with straw system clean and in great shape. This attention will keep your bottle fresh, and your water or beverages tasting great.