Soft flasks, water bladders, water bottles - the variety of names we have for the things that keep us hydrated! Today, I’m sharing the really simple method I have for cleaning and sterilising my flasks. I’ve been doing this for a few years, and so far it’s worked well on all my plastic food utensils that I’ve needed to deep clean after outdoor adventures.
The only item you’ll need to buy is sterilising fluid used for infant’s bottles.
It comes in a concentrate, and the most popular name brand that I know is Milton. I’m using an off-brand version I found in my local supermarket.
Method
Rinse and clean your soft flasks. If possible, try turning your flasks inside out and using a clean nail brush to scrub down the insides. This is great if you’ve used electrolytes or additives to your water. I use my regular dish soap. Rinse well.
Check the instructions on your sterilising fluid - for mine, it’s two caps of fluid to 2L of cold water. Prepare the mixture in a large clean bowl.
Take apart your soft flasks / water bladders. These things come apart more than you would think. It’s always important to take apart the mouth pieces, as this is where I’ve seen the most mould and bacteria build-up. Check on the manufacturers website if you’re unsure how to take yours apart.
Submerge your flasks in the solution. I like to leave mine overnight, but follow the instructions that come with your sterilising fluid.
For more traditional water bottles, I stand them on a stable surface and pour the mixed solution into the bottles, filling to the brim.Once finished soaking, rinse well.
This process won’t remove long term discolouration, but can remove mould or bacteria discolouration (see in the video below how my discolouration changes).
Between washes I will often store my flasks in the freezer to prevent any new bacteria or mould from growing.