It’s annoying when your water tastes like plastic every time you take a sip. But hey, this happens to us too, you’re not alone. So, how to get plastic taste out of water bottles?
Well, there are some life-changing methods such as using baking soda, soapy water, vinegar, and so on that can turn your experience with plastic water bottles far better. Keep reading to know more details about how your plastic water bottles can not frustrate you anymore.
Let the journey begin!
Why Does Water Taste Like Plastic In The Bottle?
There are countless reasons why plastic water bottles smell bad. Below are some of the most common ones:
- Chemical Leaching: Plastics, especially those used in single-use bottles, can release chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) into the water. This leaching process can give the water a plastic-like taste.
- New Bottle Smell: New plastic bottles often have residual chemicals or a “new plastic” odour. When you fill them with water, these odours can transfer to the water and alter its taste.
- Storage Conditions: If you store your plastic water bottle in hot or sunny environments, it can cause the plastic to break down faster and release more chemicals. This can make the water taste more like plastic.
- Plastic Quality: The type of plastic used in your bottle affects the taste. Lower-quality plastics leave a plastic taste in the water compared to higher-quality, food-grade plastics.
- Bacterial Growth: Over time, bacteria can grow in your plastic bottle, especially if you reuse it without proper cleaning. This growth can contribute to a strange taste in the water.
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5 Useful Methods of Getting Plastic Taste Out of Water Bottles
Now, let’s see how you can deal with the annoying plastic taste in your water bottle.
Method 1: Using Dish Soap and Water
This is usually the mildest option to clean your plastic water bottle and get the plastic taste out of your bottle. Below are the details.
Step 1: Prepare The Cleaning Solution
Fill the bottle halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Choose a mild dish soap and secure the lid tightly. Try to choose unscented dish soap.
Step 2: Mix and Rinse
Now, shake the bottle for about 30 seconds to ensure the soap mixes well with the water. After shaking, pour out the soapy water and rinse the bottle with warm, clean water.
Step 3: Scrub Stubborn Spots
For any stubborn residue, use a bottle brush. Focus on the bottom and rim of the bottle, adding extra soap to your brush if needed. If you don’t have a brush, a clean toothbrush or sponge works too. Don’t forget to use a straw brush or pipe cleaner for small crevices in the lid and straws.
Step 3: Dry Completely
Finally, let the bottle air dry with the lid off. It will help prevent bacterial growth inside the bottle. If you need to use it right away, dry it with a clean towel or paper towel.
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Method 2: Using Dish Soap and Water
Baking soda is one of the most incredible solutions for removing plastic taste or smell from your water bottle. Let’s see the details.
Step 1: Mix The Solution
Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with 4 cups of warm water. After that, pour this mix into your bottle and fill it up. If you have any extra solution, use it to soak the lid, straw, and any other parts.
Step 2: Soak and Scrub
Let the baking soda solution sit overnight. The next day, empty the bottle and give it a good scrub with a bottle brush. Use a straw brush or pipe cleaner for those hard-to-reach spots in straws and lids.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
The final step is always the same: rinse everything with warm water, then dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry overnight.
Method 3: Using Dish Soap and Water
Vinegar is another useful ingredient to eliminate odour or plastic taste from water bottles. Here’s a simply way to clean your water bottle with vinegar.
Step 1: Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Start by pouring white vinegar into your bottle until it’s about one-fifth full. Then, add warm water until the bottle is half full. I use distilled white vinegar as it always gives the best results. This solution helps sanitise and remove odours. You can also use hydrogen peroxide as an alternative to vinegar if you prefer.
Step 2: Shake and Soak
Shake the bottle for about 30 seconds to coat all the surfaces with the vinegar solution. Then, let the bottle sit overnight to give the vinegar time to work its magic.
Step 3: Shake and Soak
After soaking, pour out the solution and rinse your bottle using warm water. Dry it completely with a clean towel, or let it air dry with the lid off. For any remaining spots, simply scrub with a bottle brush or a toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean the lid and any straws with the vinegar solution, too!
Method 4: Using Denture tablets
Denture tablets work like magic for deep cleaning water bottles and removing plastic taste from them. Here’s how you can use it.
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill your bottle with clean water and drop in one denture tablet. These tablets contain ingredients like baking soda and bleach, which help clean and freshen your bottle. For the lid and other parts, put them in a bowl of water with another tablet to soak.
Step 2: Give Enough Time to Dissolve
Let the tablet dissolve in the water for about 30 minutes. This gives it enough time to work on removing grime. Be sure to check the instructions on your specific tablets for the best results.
Step 3: Scrub Away Residue
Once the tablet has dissolved, pour out the solution and use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the bottle properly. Pay attention to the bottom and rim. Use a straw brush or pipe cleaner for straws and small parts.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the bottle and all accessories with clean and warm water. Dry everything completely with a dishcloth or paper towel, or let them air dry overnight with the lid off to prevent any lingering moisture.
Method 5: Using Bleach
Using bleach doesn’t only clean your water bottle, it sanitizes the bottle as well. Here’s a simple guide to the process.
Step 1: Mix the Cleaning Solution
Combine one part bleach with nine parts water to create a strong cleaning solution. Pour this mixture into your water bottle and secure the lid. Now, gently swirl it around to ensure the bleach solution covers the entire interior.
Step 2: Scrub the Bottle and Parts
As usual, use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the bottle and pay extra attention to any areas where bacteria or mould can hide.
Gently clean the lid, mouthpiece, and reusable straws with a straw brush. And, don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the bottle using a sponge or paper towel dipped in the bleach solution.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Carefully rinse off all traces of bleach, as it can be harmful if you ingest it later. Rinse the bottle and all parts with clean, warm water at least twice or thrice. Finally, dry everything with a towel or let it air dry overnight with the lid off to make sure there’s no moisture left inside.
Can You Put Your Plastic Water Bottle in The Dishwasher?
First, check whether your plastic water bottle is dishwasher-safe or not. It depends on the quality of the bottle’s material and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Although many plastic bottles are designed to withstand the dishwasher, you must verify this information first.
Some plastics can melt or warp under the high heat of a dishwasher. On the other hand, some plastics may leach harmful chemicals like BPA, especially if exposed to extreme temperatures.
If your bottle is marked as dishwasher-safe, you can clean it in the dishwasher, but make sure you place it on the top rack where temperatures are lower.
This reduces the risk of damage and prevents smaller parts like caps from getting lost.
However, even with a dishwasher-safe label, hand washing is what we recommend. This is particularly true for bottles with seals or rings where bacteria can build-up. Hand washing allows for a more thorough cleaning, especially in areas that are hard to reach.
FAQs
Can You Put Vinegar in a Plastic Water Bottle?
Yes, you can safely put vinegar in a plastic water bottle. Vinegar is a popular ingredient for cleaning plastic bottles because it effectively removes odours and disinfects the bottle. Just fill the bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water, let it sit for a while, then rinse.
How Often Should You Clean A Plastic Water Bottle?
You should clean your plastic water bottle daily, especially if you use it frequently. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mould, and unpleasant odours. If cleaning it regularly is not an option, clean it at least once a week.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for staying with us till the end. Hopefully, you’ve got a detailed answer to “How to get plastic taste out of water bottle?”
You can start by thoroughly washing the bottle with warm soapy water. Using natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda can help neutralize the taste. Then, allow the bottle to air out between uses and avoid leaving water in it for extended periods.
Regular cleaning and using these tips can keep your bottle fresh and your water tasting clean!