How to Clean Green Mold Out of a 6-Gallon Water Jug

Moisture in an enclosed container provides a good environment for mold growth, and growth of other organisms as well. Water jugs can, for example, develop algae. The green material you see in your jug could be either mold or algae -- the method for removing these and sanitizing your water jug is the same, no matter which substance it is.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent
• Long-handled bottle brush
• Bleach

Instructions

1. Empty out the old water from the jug, if applicable. Pour in 2 tbsp. of liquid dish detergent.

2. Fill the water jug half full of hot water from a faucet. Use a long-handled bottle brush to scrub the interior bottom and walls of the jug, especially the areas with visible green mold. Keep scrubbing until you remove all the mold you can.

3. Pour the water out of the jug, and then rinse it with hot water until the water coming out is no longer soapy. If any small trace of green mold remains, don't worry -- the next steps should take care of it.

4. Add 2 tsp. of bleach and 2 cups of warm water to the jug, according to the ratio of water to bleach suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Place the cap on the jug, and shake the jug so the bleach and water touch all interior surfaces.

5. Let the jug stand undisturbed with the lid on for half an hour. Rinse out the jug with warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if no mold or other material is visible, you should clean a jug regularly. Wash and sanitize the jug every four to six months using the bleach solution mentioned here.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cleaning and Sanitizing With Bleach After an Emergency