Aluminum flasks: 7 easy and effective methods to clean them properly

Beautiful to look at, handy for keeping hot or cold drinks, and environmentally friendly: it is no secret that aluminum thermos flasks are very popular all over the world. What used to be considered a piece of camping gear is now used by eco-sensitive people everywhere. However, there is something to bear in mind about these flasks: they must be cleaned out thoroughly and frequently.

If you don't do this, bacteria and mold will begin to grow in the flask, contaminating the liquids inside and posing a serious risk to our health. Fortunately, cleaning aluminum flasks is easy. Read on to find out how:

Creativo

A daily habit you could get into, is to simply fill the flask to just over half full with warm water and a dash of dishwashing liquid. Close the lid, shake well for several seconds, then rinse and let dry so that all the water runs out. If you want, you can also add a little vinegar to this mixture, and let it act for ten minutes, before rinsing out.

If, on the other hand, it has been a while since you washed the flask, and/or if you smell an unpleasant smell when you open the flask, you will need to wash both the flask and the lid with more care. You can do this as follows: 

• White wine vinegar or alcohol: pour vinegar to the halfway mark, and then top off with water. Close and shake well. Then remove the lid and wash it carefully with soap. Since the cap usually has a rubber seal, it's best not to leave it in contact with vinegar for too long (or too often). Meanwhile, let the vinegar act in the bottle for about ten minutes and then rinse out well.
• Wash with soap and water and then pour in 60 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the flask. Close, shake well and then rinse out thoroughly. The lid must always be washed with soap.
• Baking soda: great for when there isn't any smell. Simply fill with hot water, pour two tablespoons of baking soda into the flask, close and shake well. After five minutes, rinse out using running water.
• In the same manner, you can use citric acid instead of baking soda.

A less conventional method is to disslove a dentures cleaning tablet in the flask (filled with water only).

Use these methods and your aluminum flask will last longer and stay in great condition!