How to Clean Bottles

Have you ever thrown out a bottle because the neck was too narrow and you couldn't get it clean? I've tried bottle brushes and wooden spoon handles with some success, but the bottle still wasn't really clean. I've tried several different ways to clean bottles and am listing them in my order of preference. These methods can be used for glass bottles, vases, plastic water bottles, thermoses, or any other small neck bottle you may have. These methods work for bottles and vases that you use day to day, or for old bottles you might dig up that are encrusted in mud and dirt. If you try one method and it doesn't work, repeat the process or try a different method.

Use Egg Shells to Clean Bottles

You can use raw eggs shells that are discarded after making breakfast or a cake, or you can use the egg shells you have peeled from hard cooked eggs. Put crushed egg shells in the bottle, add a drop or two of liquid dish soap, and a little cold water. Cover the opening and shake the bottle. The rough edges of the egg shell will scrub the inside of your bottle in no time. When the bottle looks clean, dump the egg shells and water out, and rinse well. Some people are concerned about salmonella poisoning from the egg shells. I don't think it's a problem but if it concerns you, just rinse out the bottle again with hot soapy water, then rinse.

Use Crushed Ice to Clean Bottles

Crushed ice will clean bottles out quickly too. You might want to add a little salt with the ice, but you don't have to. Add crushed ice to a bottle, swirl and shake. Pour the ice out and rinse.

Use Rice to Clean Bottles

Adding uncooked rice to a bottle with a little water and a few drops of liquid dish soap works almost as well as the crushed egg shells. Some people like using rice instead of eggshells because they are worried about salmonella poisoning. If you use uncooked rice, just add a tablespoon or so of rice, a little water, and dish soap. Swirl the rice around. When the bottle looks clean, dump the rice and water out and rinse the bottle well.

Use Denture Tablets to Clean Bottles

Denture cleaner tablets have been used to clean all kinds of things, including toilet bowls. The effervescent action will scrub away at residue and leave things sparkley clean. Break one denture tablet up a little and drop the pieces into the bottle. Add a little warm water, swirl and shake. If your bottle is really dirty, you can fill it up with water and let it sit 5 - 10 minutes. Pour the water out and rinse. I would not use this method on metal thermoses.