How to clean a thermos? - learn effective methods
A thermos is an accessory useful during every trip — it allows you to enjoy a warm drink or meal regardless of the conditions. However, with frequent use, it can collect deposits, unpleasant odors, and even mold if not properly cleaned. To maintain its durability and thermal properties, it's worth regularly cleaning and maintaining it.
In this article, you will learn how to clean a thermos from different types of dirt. Find out how to clean a thermos from scale, mold, or coffee and tea deposits. Also, check if a thermos can be washed in the dishwasher!
How to clean a thermos from stubborn dirt?
If you use your thermos very often and do not take care of regular cleaning, mold or deposits may appear in it, which can be difficult to remove. Fortunately, there is usually a way to deal with them. Before starting cleaning, empty the thermos and unscrew the cap into parts. It's worth getting a special brush for cleaning thermoses, although a soft sponge or cloth will work just as well.
How to clean a thermos from scale?
The harder the water flows from your tap, the higher the likelihood of scale forming inside the thermos. To effectively clean a thermos from scale, follow the steps below using natural agents:
- Citric acid — dissolve a little acid in water and pour the resulting mixture into the thermos. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, then rinse the thermos and wash it with dish soap. Citric acid will not only clean but also disinfect and refresh the thermos.
- Vinegar — pour 50 ml of vinegar into the thermos and fill it with hot water. After 30 minutes, pour out the contents, wash the thermos with dish soap, and set it to dry. Remember that if you want to use vinegar, you must be careful. It has a very intense, irritating smell, so after use, the thermos should be aired for several hours.
How to clean a thermos from mold?
Mold in a thermos is a problem that cannot be ignored. Besides the unpleasant odor, it can also be harmful to health, so it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible. One of the most popular ways to clean a thermos from mold is to use lemon. Due to its natural antibacterial properties, lemon helps remove mold and refresh the interior of the thermos. Simply squeeze the juice from one lemon and mix it with hot water, then pour it into the thermos for a few hours. After this time, pour out the solution and rinse the thermos thoroughly.
Baking soda is also effective in the case of mold. Just fill the thermos with hot water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Then close the thermos and shake it to mix the solution thoroughly. Leave everything for a few hours or even overnight. After this time, pour out the solution and rinse the thermos with water thoroughly.
How to clean a thermos from coffee or tea deposits?
Although coffee and tea are our faithful companions on the trail, they may leave unwanted deposits that are difficult to clean. To clean a thermos from coffee or tea deposits, you can try the following methods:
- Baking soda — fill the thermos with boiling water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Close the thermos, shake it a few times to evenly coat the interior with baking soda, and then leave it for a few hours. After this time, rinse the thermos thoroughly with warm water.
- Baking powder — analogous to baking soda, fill the thermos with boiling water and add 2-3 teaspoons of baking powder. Close the thermos, shake it a few times to distribute the powder evenly, and then set it aside for a few hours. Later, rinse the thermos thoroughly with warm water.
- Dishwasher tablets — to clean the thermos, crush some dishwasher tablets, put them in the thermos, and fill it halfway with hot water. Close the thermos, shake it until the tablet dissolves. Then fill it fully with water and set the thermos aside for at least two hours. After pouring out the contents, wash the thermos with dish soap.
- Citric acid — to clean the thermos with citric acid, put 20 g of powder into it, fill it with hot water, and set aside for 2 hours. After this time, thoroughly rinse the thermos with warm water.
- Rice — put a handful of dry rice into the thermos and fill it halfway with cold water, then shake it vigorously. If the deposit doesn't disappear, repeat the process, then rinse the thermos with water.
- Coca-Cola — pour cola into the thermos and leave it for a few hours, then pour it out and wash the thermos with dish soap.
How to clean the thermos cap?
When you want to clean the thermos cap, soak it in warm water with baking soda (half a teaspoon) and leave it even overnight. Then scrub it vigorously with a sponge or brush. Clean all grooves and seals thoroughly, then rinse the cap under running water.
How to remove the smell from a thermos?
If you want to remove the smell of coffee from a thermos to pour tea into it, it is not a complicated task. First, wash the thermos thoroughly with warm water and dish soap, then try one of our proven methods:
- Baking soda — we described above how to clean a thermos from coffee and tea deposits, and baking soda will also help effectively fight the unpleasant smell. Follow the steps described earlier.
- Hot water with lemon juice — pour hot water with lemon juice into the thermos, wash it thoroughly, and then dry it. To increase effectiveness, rinse the thermos with cold water, which absorbs odors better.
- Sugar — put a tablespoon of sugar into the thermos, close it, and leave it for a few hours. Then rinse the thermos with warm water.
Can a thermos be washed in the dishwasher?
In general, thermoses should not be washed in the dishwasher because it can lead to the loss of their insulating properties or the appearance of scratches. However, some brands produce thermoses that can be washed in the dishwasher — this information should be in the user manual. If such information is missing, it's better not to risk it.
Thermoses in the MILITARY.EU store
If you are searching for your first or a new thermos, check out our offer at MILITARY.EU. We offer thermoses from brands such as Badger Outdoor, Esbit, M-Tac, or Fjord Nansen. Want to buy a lunch thermos but don't know which model to choose? We encourage you to take a look at our guide: Which lunch thermos to choose?
All thermoses in our offer are exceptionally durable and will perform excellently during survival expeditions, mountain hikes, and also on a daily basis — for work or school. If you're looking for a gift idea, we also offer engraved thermoses! On such a thermos, at your request, we can engrave the recipient's name, making the gift even more personal and unique.
