How to Clean the Inside of 5 Gallon Water Jugs

Large water jugs with spouts are ideal for taking drinking water along on camp-outs, to sporting events, on boats and on long trips or picnics. They are many different styles and spigot types. Some are made of hard, dense plastic; others are made of softer plastics that expand when filled. Cleaning these containers can be difficult. They can retain odors in the plastic and because they are so large with a narrow opening, it's tough getting anything inside to effectively scrub them.

Things You'll Need

• 1 gallon boiling water
• 1 cup white vinegar or 1/4 cup bleach
• 1 cup salt
• 5 cups crushed ice

Instructions

1. Boil one gallon of water and pour in empty container. Add white vinegar. Shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes and allow the container to sit--if it needs to be deodorized. Empty the water and vinegar solution from the container and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

2. Place five cups of crushed ice and one cup of salt into the container if there is residue or staining to remove. Shake vigorously for 3-4 minutes. Make sure you rinse the container thoroughly with warm water numerous times before using.

3. Place five cups of cat litter in the container to remove oily residue from the inside surface. Shake vigorously for 3-4 minutes and then rinse completely with 1/2 gallon of white vinegar followed by one gallon of warm water.

References

• Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Emergency Water Storage

Resources

• FEMA