2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Ellen Jenne, Ellen Jenne)
Laura de Barra, the celebrated author of 'Gaff Goddess' and various other titles, has imparted her wisdom regarding the deep cleaning of metal water bottles without resorting to harsh chemicals. In a video released in March, Laura detailed an efficient method for keeping water bottles sanitised. She advised that metal water bottles should be rinsed daily or twice daily.
However, for a more comprehensive clean, she suggested the use of a simple kitchen staple, reports the Express . The cleaning guru described her approach as the "eco-friendly" solution to bottle hygiene. Laura cautioned against using washing up brushes with sponges because they can release microplastics into the bottle.
Sharing her tip, Laura said: "I would be doing this probably once a week, it's super quick and easy. Just get any rice, you just don't want the ones that are already a little cooked in the pouch, you want the hard rice." Emphasising cleanliness, she added: "I give it a little bit of a clean first just to make sure the rice is nice and clean going in.
Then I'll pour it into the bottom of the bottle, and cold water - you do not want hot water for this part because it's only going to cook the rice and soften it." To complete the process, after adding just a dab of washing up liquid along with a modest measure of water, she seals the bottle, agitating it to ensure the rice scrubs all internal surfaces. Laura elaborated: "That will literally scrape off the dirt inside because it's nice and hard, but it's not hard enough to damage the bottle.
.. If you just work the rice around the inside of the bottle it'll give it a nice, thorough scrub.
"The dirtier the bottle, the longer you want to spend doing this, and you want to be able to rinse that washing up liquid out with warm water. That should get your bottle nice and clean." She also reminded her audience to push the rice-washing up liquid mixture right into the bottom of the water bottle.
Cleaning enthusiasts have hailed Laura's simple trick for cleaning water bottles, with several endorsing the method. Others shared cost-effective tips on their own; Instagram user @jbaz999 commented: "Honestly first hack I've ever seen that is super clever and useful!!!" Rainier Jacobs recommended: "Instead of rice you can use salt. I use soap, salt and vinegar.
" SDS added: "this is how my mom cleaned baby bottles etc back in the 70s etc. works like a charm." Tommy suggested: "Steradent (denture tablets) work BRILL for this too! ! Just pop one into bottle with warm water overnight.
" Laura went on to say that to avoid blocking the kitchen sink, she utilises a sieve to catch any stray grains. Any residue can be conveniently thrown away in the bin. If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here.
