Cleaning Plastic Bottles to Use Again

[amoret]

When I got myself set up for DIY I didn't buy new bottles in a small/sample size because I had a lot from commercial samples I didn't like or used up. It is looking like that was a mistake. After two hot water and dish soap washes and a lot of rinsing I am still getting strong smells of the original flavors. I'm assuming that this means that I'm probably going to be able to taste the original flavors, and even if they are sort of similar that would make it hard to tell if I like what I'm trying to make.

So, does anyone have a sure fire way to clean these out, or do I need to order new bottles for my test batches?

 

[daveymist]

I usually let them air out in the sun after washing them

 

[GaryInTexas]

I've had some strong smelling juice in some and I just toss the ones that still smell after a light cleaning.

 

[vapnmuse]

I swish some everclear PGA in the bottles after cleaning with hot water. I have not noticed any flavor transfer even with 100% VG.

 

[xena222]

I had two I gave up on...but I just rinsed them with VERY hot water and let them air dry - it seemed to work good for me - if it still has a smell after that - probably just yse a different bottle

 

[Rickajho]

Some people swear by leaving them sit in water & lemon juice overnight. However everything has it's limits and certain flavors like menthol, licorice, absinthe etc. are just not gonna come out of plastic.

 

[rowdyplace]

Denture cleaner tablets (dissolved). They are cheap. Just dissolve a couple in 2 - 3 cups of warm water and submerge the bottles in the liquid for about 12 - 24 hours. Shake, empty (individual bottles) into the container and allow to refill - repeat 3 - 4 times.

The denture cleaner is great fro removing stains and smells...


About 3¢ per tablet.

 

[AzPlumber]

Letting them soak in a vinegar and water solution always worked well for me. I have since gone to all glass and don't worry too much about it now.

 

[RonJS]

Coming from a homebrewing background, I use bleach.

If an overnight soak (1/2 cup household bleach in 2 qts. water) does not not work, it gets tossed.

Rinse well (at least 4-5 times) and wear protective gear and old clothes.



Ron