Make DIY Insulated Water Bottle And Tumbler Cleaning Tablets With Just 4 Ingredients

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It seems like everyone has a robust collection of reusable drinkware. There are those who care about the differences between Stanley and Yeti users, and there are those who opt for the sleek, lidded glass tumblers. The reason for this shift is likely a combination of sustainability and cost savings. High-quality drinking vessels made of shatterproof glass or double-walled stainless steel can be expensive, but they're a one-time purchase that makes drinking everything from plain water to a homemade no-fuss pistachio paste latte a lot more fun.

Of course, the downside of this water bottle trend is keeping all the parts clean. Making DIY cleaning tablets may take a little more time and effort, but a homemade version made with citric acid, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid soap (most of the same ingredients used to manufacture the retail versions) costs around $0.07 per unit. While there are plenty of commercial cleaning tablets available for sale, they're often fairly expensive, and name-brand tablets like Bottle Bright can cost up to $0.66 per unit.

Since many of us use some sort of reusable drinking vessel every day, they require daily washing to prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria. There's also the caveat that most insulated cups aren't dishwasher safe, nor are many of the glass tumblers, especially those sealed into easy-to-grip silicone sleeves. While it may seem that handwashing is the only option, DIY fizzy bottle cleaning tablets offer a quick and convenient way to keep your cups sparkling clean with common household ingredients.

Both commercial and homemade cleaning tablets contain baking soda and citric acid, in addition to hydrogen peroxide and a few other gentle cleansers. Bottle Bright on Amazon includes a little salt and some plant-based extracts in its recipe, while your homemade version might contain castile soap or a free and clear dish soap. The hydrogen peroxide in these tablets helps kill germs, and the citric acid and baking soda form a cleaning solution that can crackle, pop, and get fizzy and foamy.

This happens because citric acid and baking soda form a visible reaction when water is introduced, and this fizzy reaction dislodges debris from the water bottle. While this is great for cleaning, it can make mixing up homemade tablets a bit tricky. The best way to avoid an early chain reaction is to use powdered hydrogen peroxide and add liquid soap very gradually. A little fizzing is okay, but stir gently to avoid agitating the mixture too soon.

Ice cube trays and candy molds are both great for making uniform tablets — just be sure to let them form completely (about 12 hours) before popping them loose. Store them in an airtight glass container to prevent moisture from sneaking in and activating them before you're ready to use them. Wash and dry the storage container completely between batches of tablets. All it takes is a little chemistry to clean a gross reusable water bottle.