What's the best way to clean old bottles

[Cammy]

Hi all I've loads of empty pre bought 10 and 20 ml bottles that I think I could use now I'm mixing my own. What's the best way to ensure they are clean for new liquids, so they don't taint the new flavours. Is hot soapy water and leaving them to dry for a day no good?

cheers
cammy

[robby]

The only thing I would say is that I wouldnt use washing up liquid, it can taint plastic really badly and you will never get rid of the taste. I personally have used very hot salty water and put them in the ultrasonic cleaner. Let them drain as much as possible then put them back in the ultrasonic with some very hot clean water that has been previously boiled and repeat. There is no smell left from the old liquids or the cleaning process. Then let them dry, do the same with the caps.

[Jen]

I've heard some people use vodka - personally I have a better use for it

[Mev]

I just use boiling water with a little distilled vinegar (clear). Let them soak then rinse.

[meeee]

I just pass them on to the wife to clean

[Mev]

Feb 12, 2013 11:15:22 GMT meeee said:

I just pass them on to the wife to clean

well she can get closer to the kitchen sink having smaller feet.

<< runs and hides.

[robby]

Feb 12, 2013 11:17:26 GMT Mev said:

Feb 12, 2013 11:15:22 GMT meeee said:

I just pass them on to the wife to clean

well she can get closer to the kitchen sink having smaller feet.

<< runs and hides.

Hehe

[Cammy]

Cheers, I'll give that a try.

[domesticextremist]

Despite the warning above, I just run them through the
washing up (lids off and spouts removed).
Rinse out all the suds with cold water and leave to dry.

I've not noticed any tainting to speak of.

[djs]

Feb 12, 2013 11:15:22 GMT meeee said:

I just pass them on to the wife to clean

Yes, my missus often takes things off my hands and is known to use "Milton" sterilising fluid - the same stuff she uses for water containers (garden/car/camping) and the kids food/drink containers.

Look into it....I expect you can buy small bottles for not-a-lot. We always used it for the babies (which are now big and strong and were rarely ill).

[sue1952]

Milton would be my choice too if its good enough for the babes, its good enough for me

[skembob]

I always give them a good rinse out, place them all in a bowl of warm water then throw a couple of steradent (denture cleaning fizzy tablets) and leave them for half an hour or so. Removes all but the most stubborn flavours such as strong menthols or hot cinnamon.

[giles]

Hot water, then sniff them. If they smell (only mint does of the flavours I use) then hot water again, with a little vinegar, seems to do it.

[davemorton]

Bi-carb of soda should work well to remove smells. Not tried it in the bottles, but it can take the smell of curry paste out of jars.

[Cammy]

Feb 13, 2013 19:50:49 GMT davemorton said:

Bi-carb of soda should work well to remove smells. Not tried it in the bottles, but it can take the smell of curry paste out of jars.

So in theory could I clean my tanks in bi-carb soda to remove any lingering menthol smell/taste?