How to Clean Stainless Steel Water Bottles (6 step guide)

It’s crazy to think about a life without reusable water bottles but sadly it is a time I can still remember (showing my age now). Over the last couple of decades, the adoption of reusable drinking bottles has exploded with many people now owning and regularly using a metal water bottle but how exactly should we clean stainless steel water bottles to ensure optimal hygiene?

Typically, cleaning a glass water bottle involves a straightforward six-step process using water, natural soap, and a bottle brush. For a more thorough clean, you can utilise baking soda or a mixture of vinegar and water, which is effective in removing stubborn dirt and stains.

Although cleaning stainless steel water bottles is relatively easy, I recently came across some useful tips and tricks I would like to share below but first let’s look at the material stainless steel itself.

But before we do, just a quick note to say if you are worried about the safety of steel water bottles I wrote another article called “Are Stainless Steel Water Bottles Safe? Explore the facts” which I’d encourage you to read next or perhaps you’re wondering whether to choose a glass or stainless steel water bottle?

If so, check out my article “Glass vs Stainless Steel Water Bottle, a complete review” to see a comparison of these bottle types.

Anyway, on with the guide.

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Stainless Steel: A Resistant Material

Stainless steel is a non-porous material making it ideal for food and beverage equipment and especially good for making water bottles.

It typically consists of iron, chromium, and nickel, and provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, staining, and bacterial growth.

Unlike plastic, which can develop scratches and crevices where bacteria can thrive, stainless steel’s smooth surface makes it less susceptible to bacterial colonisation.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle & Bacteria

While no material is entirely immune to bacterial contamination, stainless steel water bottles are generally safe when properly cleaned and maintained.

Most bacteria require moisture, nutrients, and a suitable environment to multiply, and stainless steel’s resistance to moisture and easy cleanability make it an unfavourable breeding ground.

However, it’s important to note that proper cleaning practices are essential to minimize any potential risks including bad smells.

Check the Bottles Care Instructions First

It seems an obvious step, but many people skip it because the care instructions for their water bottle has long been thrown in the (recycling!) bin.

If you still have the care instructions, they will explain exactly how to clean your metal drinking bottle and can reveal that your bottle might be dishwasher safe.

If you no longer have access to the packaging, conducting an online search can often yield the necessary care instructions from manufacturers or retailers.

At greenerlyfe we publish the manufacturer’s care instructions on our product pages for exactly this reason.

How Often Should You Wash a Metal Water Bottle

For every day use you should clean your stainless steel water bottle after every use. If you are not using your drinking bottle every day, then it’s best to wash it before storing away in a cupboard.

After wiping it dry or allowing it to air dry and before closing the lid if storing, try not to close the lid tight as this could mean it’s a bit smelly the next time you use it due to a build-up of bacteria.

If your bottle has been stored away for some time then you may need to follow the steps below which relate to cleaning with baking soda, vinegar, or water bottle cleaning tablets.

6 Easy Steps to Clean Your Stainless Steel Water Bottle (with a Bottle Brush)

Depending on the level of dirtiness you may need to follow the more thorough cleaning tips below but for now, here is a basic cleaning routine for reusable steel water bottles that are frequently used:

Equipment Needed

To conduct a daily clean, gather the following materials and equipment then follow the six simple steps below.

• Warm to hot water
• Liquid dish soap or a dishwashing soap bar
• A bottle brush (a toothbrush can be used for smaller bottles)
• Rice (optional)
• Baking soda (optional)
• Vinegar (optional)

Step 1: Rinse the Bottle

Rinse the glass bottle with hot water. Ideally, the water itself should be as hot as you can stand whilst cleaning the bottle.

Step 2: Add Soap

If using liquid soap, add 2 or 3 drops to the bottle. If using a soap bar, load the bottle brush with soap from the bar.

Step 3: Clean the Bottle

Whilst holding the bottle tightly use the bottle brush both the inside and outside of the bottle ensuring you reach all corners, the bottom, and the top.

Step 4: Clean the Lid

Clean the lid or cap using the brush and soap. If your bottle has a straw or spout style lid then place it back on the bottle and allow the soapy water to flow out, which helps clean the spout. If your glass bottle has a reusable straw, clean it with a suitable straw cleaner using the same water.

Step 5: Rinse Again

Once cleaned using hot water from the tap thoroughly rinse the stainless steel water bottle, cap and straw if present (not with the soapy water used for cleaning), ensuring no soap suds or bubbles are left behind.

Step 6: Leave to Dry

Before storing ensure the metal water bottle is allowed to air dry completely and do not close the lid tight. Closing the lid while the bottle is still wet may promote bacterial growth.

And that’s it, a simple 6-step process for cleaning your steel water bottle.

But what happens if you don’t have a bottle brush?

How to Clean Stainless Steel Water Bottles Without a Brush

Whether you’re following the basic cleaning steps above or the following deep cleaning tips it might be that you don’t have a bottle brush.

If this is the case, then you can simply add uncooked rice at the point where you’d use a brush. Instead of brushing the bottle clean, close the lid and shake vigorously. The rice will be pushed around and agitate the dirt away from the metal bottle.

Nice tip, just make sure to sieve out the rice at the end!

Now if you do encounter stubborn dirt or stains on your water bottle or if it’s been stored away for a long time, you can try one of the following comprehensive cleaning methods:

Deep Cleaning Your Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Sometimes with any reusable water bottle dirt and stains are difficult to remove so here are some options if you struggle to get your steel water bottle clean.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Water Bottles with Baking Soda

Washing with baking soda is a great eco-friendly way to clean your stainless steel water bottle.

Super simple, just follow the 6 easy steps above up to where you’d normally leave it to dry.

Before you leave your bottle to dry fill it with warm water to about halfway.

Then simply add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda.

After that, close the lid, give it a good old shake, and afterwards remove the lid and clean thoroughly with your bottle brush.

Once the steel bottle is clean then go ahead and rinse with clean warm water and then leave to dry completely.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Water Bottles with Vinegar

Many people ask me how to clean stainless steel water bottles with bleach and I always ask – why bleach when vinegar is a much eco-friendlier option.

To sterilise your steel water bottle simply follow the basic steps above to the point where you’d leave the bottle to dry then fill the steel bottle halfway with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.

Simply shake well and leave it to sit for several hours – ideally overnight.

When ready, empty the bottle and run through the 6 basic cleaning steps above to rinse the bottle through.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle Cleaning Tablets

If your metal water bottle has been stored away for an extended period, you may need some extra cleaning power.

Water bottle cleaning tablets are easy to use and thankfully these days there are eco-friendly options.

Simply fill your steel water bottle with warm water and drop in one tablet.

The tablet will create a gentle fizz, and after 15-30 minutes, rinse thoroughly and your glass water bottle will be super clean.

Note: always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using metal water bottle cleaning tablets.

Common FAQs

Why Does My Water Bottle Smell Even After Washing

Water bottles might continue to smell even after washing thoroughly due to residual bacteria, residue from beverages or mould and mildew growth. This is less likely to happen if your bottle is bad from a non-porous material such as stainless steel or glass.

My Metal Water Bottle Smells Bad / Smells of Mildew

As a general rule metal water bottles smell bad due to a build-up of bacteria, usually caused by incorrect cleaning or long-term storage. Following an exercise of deep cleaning should remove any dirt, stains and bacteria leaving your metal bottle odour free.

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