The Dos And Don'ts Of Cleaning SodaStream Bottles
Created in 1955, SodaStream became popular with its catchy jingle and eco-friendly message of reusable SodaStream bottles.
SodaStream bottles are not dishwasher safe. But you can hand wash them using warm water and dishwashing soap instead. In this article, you’ll learn how to clean SodaStream bottles properly to make them long-lasting.
The Dos of Cleaning SodaStream Bottles
SodaStream bottles are made out of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer used for fabrics, films, and soda bottles. It’s one of the most recycled thermoplastics, hence why it has the number “1” on its recycling symbol.
SodaStream companies inform you to replace your SodaStream bottle after three years. But cleaning your bottle is the first reason why you don’t have to replace it now and then. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Warm Water
This method is ideal if you only use carbonated water in your SodaStream bottle. Use warm water to kill off some of the bacteria that have accumulated in the bottle.
I know it’s tempting to use hot water, but we are trying to maintain and not damage the bottle even if it is made of thermoplastic. PET plastics have good heat-resistance, around 160°F or 70°C. But even around this temperature, you can weaken your SodaStream bottle’s integrity.
Fill ¼ of the bottle with warm water. All you have to do is shake the bottle for a minute or so and throw the used water in the sink. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
2. Dishwashing Soap
If you use flavored sodas, your SodaStream bottle will likely start to smell. A dollop of dish soap with warm water will help solve this issue.
Dish soap doesn’t kill bacteria, but it carries them away easily with water. They’re suitable for breaking up sugar particles and bacterial membranes so that they won’t stay attached to your SodaStream bottle for too long.
Shake the bottle with dish soap and water for a minute and throw away the used water in the sink. If there’s still sugar particles or odor present, repeat the process 2-3 times. Don’t forget to wash off the SodaStream bottle with warm water to avoid any soapy taste.
3. Bottle Brush (Optional)
Buying a silicone bottle brush is a good investment for cleaning your SodaStream bottles. Not only does it break those pesky sugar particles, but it also makes sure you reach every nook and cranny.
Be sure to buy a silicone brush instead of the one with polyester bristles. Those types of bristles are too rough and might create micro-scratches where bacteria and fungi can hide away.
Gently insert the brush inside the SodaStream bottle and start twisting it around to break up the sugar that built up over time. Make sure you don’t scrub too hard or you’ll cause a dent inside the bottle.
4. Vinegar (Optional)
If the odor is still around, vinegar can help in this situation. Vinegar has a natural antibacterial property that can kill most foodborne microbes because of its acidic quality.
Vinegar may have a strong smell, but that can go away if you wash it off right after. Add a cup of vinegar to your mixture of warm water and dish soap. Shake for a minute and dispose of the used water in the sink. Repeat for 2-3 times or until the odor dissipates.
5. Lemon (Optional)
If you don’t have vinegar on hand or don’t like the idea of your SodaStream bottle smelling like vinegar, you can always try lemon juice.
Just like vinegar, lemon has an acidic quality that can kill bacteria. Squeeze lemon juice into your mixture and shake the bottle for a minute. Dispose the used water in the sink and repeat 2-3 times until it starts smelling lemony fresh.
6. Wash the Caps
Don’t forget to wash your SodaStream bottle caps using dishwashing soap and a sponge. Make sure to dry them with a clean towel so bacteria won’t collect inside.
7. Dry
Bottles are hard to dry by hand. You can wrap a paper towel around your silicone brush and start drying from the inside.
Be careful when you do this because paper towels can break off if it gets too wet and could get stuck inside the SodaStream bottle, making you wash it all over again. If you don’t have the time, you can use drying racks too.
The Don'ts of Cleaning SodaStream Bottles
1. Dishwashers
Dishwashers use high pressure and high heat to clean dishes. With those factors, it could destroy the shape and strength of your bottle. I know it’s a lot of work, but hand washing is your only option when cleaning your SodaStream bottle.
2. Chemicals
Using bleach and other non-kitchen safe products is highly dangerous. Bleach is corrosive and can irritate your skin. If accidentally ingested, it could give you chemical burns from the inside. Only use products intended for your kitchenware.
3. Damp Places
I know it seems like it’s a good idea to dry your SodaStream bottle outside, but exposing your wet bottle in an unrestrained environment may not be the best move. Unlike the inside of your home, bacteria and fungi thrive outdoors and could latch on your SodaStream bottle’s damp surface.
4. Delaying the Cleaning Process
I know we get busy because of work and family, but leaving a dirty bottle for a long time can make cleaning difficult. Sugar particles might build up and get stuck inside. Mold could also form and cause your SodaStream bottle to become toxic.
Cleaning your SodaStream Machine
Your SodaStream machine can also get dirty because of constant operation and accumulation of dust particles. And using an unsanitary soda maker is threatening to one’s health.
Be sure to wipe the nozzle that attaches to the bottle before doing the rest of the device. Use a wet cloth with a little bit of dish soap to wipe down any dirt or mess. Then, wipe it down with a damp towel to remove the dish soap residue. Finally, use a dry towel to finish it off.
Conclusion
Soda making can be a fun activity to enjoy with your family and friends. Remember always to clean your SodaStream bottles and avoid using the dishwasher and other strong chemicals. Maintaining the cleanliness of the bottle means you can make more fizzy drinks in the future.
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Comments
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To Whom It May Concern: I’ve had my Sodastream for a couple of years but recently have ceased from using it because of the sour smell whenever I drank from the bottles. I used several Sodastream bottles over a period of time and different ways to try and eliminate the smell but to no avail. I thought it was just me until I Googled and noted that many users described the same smell using a variety of descriptive words…gross, mouldy, musty etc. And then, it occurred to me that the smell appeared to be coming from the bottle top rather than the bottle itself. Upon closer inspection of the top, I noted a small rubber-like ring inside the top and yes, it had a mouldy smell which obviously tainted the screw-on part of the bottle, making the bad smell right at the onset of drinking. Yes, I’m getting to the point…I took the small ring out of the lid and from then on…no more horrid smell. However, I realised the ring is likely there to prevent leakage but perhaps another material that could replace it. Just a suggestion but I bet it would make many Sodastream owners happy to know that removing the ring in the top might make a difference. Just sayin’…
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