Care Guide: Making Your Metal Hydration Bottle Last a Lifetime
Hydration bottles are worth every penny for their convenience, but if they aren’t cared for properly, a lot of money can be wasted on replacing them again and again. Instead, providing proper care to help the hydration bottle last a lifetime is important. Use the following to expand the lifespan of any metal hydration bottle.
Basic Cleaning Routine
The basic cleaning routine is easy and should be done each day before or after using the bottle. Pour in a little bit of warm water and soap, then put the lid on the bottle. Shake it for a little bit, then pour it out and rinse. This helps to remove smells and prevent stains or other issues. Don’t forget to dry the bottle or place it somewhere to dry to avoid rusting and other potential issues.
Deep Cleaning
Even with regular cleaning, it’s a good idea to do a deep cleaning to keep metal hydration bottles looking their best. Most people will want to do this weekly, though as long as it’s done once or twice a month, it should help keep the bottles clean. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and fill the bottle with warm water. Scrub the inside, then let it sit before pouring it out and rinsing it with cold water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It is important to be careful when cleaning the bottles to avoid causing any damage. They can be slippery when wet, so be careful not to drop them, which can cause dents. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or bleach to clean the hydration bottles, since it is not safe for human consumption. Use natural products instead to clean and disinfect the bottles safely before use. Also, be careful to avoid leaving the bottles with any liquid in them unless it’s soaking overnight to prevent mold and other damage.
Dealing with Stains or Mineral Build-Up
Stains happen depending on the liquids used in the hydration bottles while mineral build-up occurs over time due to the minerals in water and other liquids. Both of these can be eliminated with a little bit of distilled vinegar. Spray the vinegar onto a microfiber cloth to scrub any stains or spots that appear in the bottles. Add two tablespoons to the bottle and fill it halfway with warm water. Shake well, then scrub and rinse with clean water to get rid of mineral build-up on the bottles.
Addressing Rust Spots
If a hydration bottle was left with a little bit of liquid in it and forgotten, it can start to develop rust spots. As long as the rust hasn’t gone all the way through the metal on the bottle, it can be cleaned away and the bottle can be used again. Submerge the bottle in vinegar overnight, then use a sponge to scrub away the rust. It’s also possible to create a paste using baking soda and water, then scrub to get rid of the rust stains.
Fixing Dents and Scratches
Dents can be fixed using heat and water to create pressure. Fill the hydration bottle with cold water and seal on the lid. Then, put it in boiling water to allow the pressure to pop out the dents. This shouldn’t take long, and it can fix dents of almost any size. Use care when fixing dents this way to avoid burns.
For scratches, get a piece of sandpaper wet. Use slight pressure to sand around the scratch, removing it. Make sure the sandpaper remains wet at all times by adding water to it or the bottle while sanding. This should remove the scratch completely.
Replacing Gaskets and Seals
Gaskets and seals can wear out over time, but it doesn’t mean replacing the hydration bottle. Instead, visit the manufacturer online to get replacement gaskets and seals. Remove the old gaskets or seals and throw them away. Place the new ones in boiling water for a few seconds to help make them a little bit more flexible. Then, use a screwdriver to carefully pull them into place on the bottle. Let them cool and they will harden again, keeping them in place.
With proper care, your hydration bottle can last for years, so you don’t have to worry about replacing it every few months or buying a new one just because it’s stained or smells funny. Use the basic cleaning and deep cleaning information to keep it ready to use and do more detailed cleaning as needed to keep it in great shape. It may last forever with the right care.
