How to Clean a Water Bottle and Lunchbox with Oxygen Bleach

The easy way to clean a water bottle: a fizzy Oxygen Bleach soak lifts tea, coffee and smoothie stains and smells from every corner. Lunchboxes too.

Takes 5 minutes, plus a 15-minute soak

Take the lid off and remove any silicone seals and straws.
Put 1 tsp Oxygen Bleach in the bottle and fill with hot water. For lunchboxes, lids and seals, dissolve 1 tbsp in 2 litres of hot water in a bowl.
Leave everything uncovered to fizz for 15 minutes. Never put the lid on.
Give the inside a quick brush, especially the neck and thread.
Rinse everything well with clean water and leave upside down to dry.

Stainless steel, glass and plastic water bottles, flasks, lunchboxes, food containers and their silicone seals.

When Oxygen Bleach meets hot water, it releases active oxygen. The fizzing oxygen lifts stains and odours from corners a brush can’t reach.

After a few hours it has broken down into water, oxygen and soda, so a good rinse is all it takes.

The science: Sodium percarbonate (PubChem, NIH) →

Aluminium bottles: Oxygen Bleach can discolour aluminium. Use a little Castile Soap in warm water instead.

Wood and bamboo lids: Soaking makes wood swell and crack. Wipe them with a damp, soapy cloth.

Printed or painted outsides: Keep the soak on the inside of the bottle so the decoration doesn’t fade.

Mix fresh each time; it stops working after a few hours.

Never seal a bottle with Oxygen Bleach solution inside: the oxygen builds up pressure.

Keep the powder sealed in a cool, dry place.

Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin and avoid contact with eyes.

Rinse thoroughly before using the bottle or box for food or drink again.

B&M Pro-Tip 1:

Dry bottles upside down with the lid off. A bottle closed while still damp is how the smell comes back.

B&M Pro-Tip 2:

Stained mugs too? Try our Tea & Coffee Stains method with Bicarbonate of Soda.

Can I use boiling water?
Use hot tap or kettle water that’s cooled a little. Boiling water can warp plastic and damage seals.

Is it safe for children’s lunchboxes?
Yes, rinse thoroughly and it leaves nothing behind.

How often should I clean a water bottle?
Once a week for bottles you use every day, or whenever they start to smell.

Try this next: Tea & Coffee Stains →