Keeping your 5 Gallon Water Containers Sanitary
There are lots of great things about 5 gallon water containers, but one of the things many people dislike about them is that there is no easy way to clean the container, its not like you an stick it into the dishwasher after every use. Most people simply don’t clean the inside of the giant water bottle and try not to think about the possible bacteria that might be attaching itself to the plastic. When the inside of the 5 gallon water container starts looking cloudy or the interior of the water container starts to smell, and they can no longer pretend that the container is clean, the person ends up throwing the bottle away and purchasing a brand new one.
While there is no simple way to clean the inside of 5 gallon water containers, it is possible to clean you water bottles. All you need is some time, patience, and the right materials. Since you will have to wait for the water bottle to dry, you should not plan on using your large water bottle for several hours. Also, the cleaning process requires a great deal of shaking so you don’t want to try cleaning your water container if you have a headache or sore back.
The items you are going to need for cleaning your 5 gallon water container include;
- 1 gallon of boiling water
- bleach
- crushed ice
- salt
If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of pouring bleach into your water container, you can substitute the bleach with white vinegar.
While you are waiting for your water to boil, make sure your 5 gallon water container is empty. As soon as your water has reached the boiling point pour it into the water bottle and mix it with 1 cup of bleach/white vinegar. Put he cap on the water bottle and shake it for 2-3 minutes. The more vigorously you shake the bottle the better. When you have finished shaking your water bottle, allow it to sit for several minutes, this will deodorize your bottle.
After emptying the water/vinegar from the bottle, and rinsing it with warm water, you need to take five cups of crushed ice into the container. Pour one cup of sale into the ice. You will need to shake the bottle for another 3 minutes. The salt and ice scour the sides of the container, removing any bacteria that might have survived the boiling water and vinegar. When you are satisfied that your 5 gallon water container is clean, empty it and flush it with more warm water.
If, after you have finished cleaning your water bottle, you notice that the plastic residue, you can add five cups of kitty litter to your bottle. Shake or roll your water container so the kitty litter coats the sides. The litter will draw the oils from the plastic. After using the kitty litter you will have to use boiling water and vinegar to rinse the litter from the bottle.