5 Simple Tips: How to Clean Out a Spray Bottle

A spray bottle could help us to sprinkle liquid easily. However, to keep it last longer, we need to know how to clean out a spray bottle.

Short answer: open the spray bottle, pour 50 ml of warm water. and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Then, put the cap on and shake the bottle. Next, create soapy water in a container, dip a sponge in it, and wash the whole spray bottle including the cap. Last, rinse under running water perfectly.

A spray bottle is an aerosol diffuser that allows water or compressed gas to be sprayed through a nozzle to produce droplets or to be pushed for a long-distance toward an object. You can use it for many purposes.

When you press the pump handle, the liquid is blasted out of the bottle through a small hole in the top. A spray bottle may shoot around 5 meters depending on its size and strength.

Having a spray bottle is helpful, especially for household work. It can be used to put the liquid cleaner and spray it into the surface you want such as your table, glass, garden, or window effortlessly. 

The best way to use a spray bottle is when you’re doing your chores like cleaning those hard-to-reach places like the top corners of your ceiling and the top shelves of your cupboards. It spread water into a wide range and reduces water waste to wet a surface.

Over time, stains and minerals can build up on the nozzle and cause jams during use. Well, let me share how to clean out spray bottles without making any damage.

Why should you clean out a spray bottle?

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Let me tell you 3 reasons why you should use your cleaned spray bottle:

1. It’s better for the environment

Cleaned spray bottles are used by people who care about the environment and want to reduce waste. If used correctly, these bottles can last a long time and hence you are helping the environment by reducing one more thing from the landfill.

2. Save your money in the pocket

The use of a cleaned spray bottle can result in your saving some money. I know, the spray bottle cost not much. But, it’s better to save money than to spend it on unimportant things, right?

3. Keep your things minimal

Running out of space in your home can be a problem, especially if you live in a cramped apartment. That’s why it’s important to get things done by cutting down on the number of items that you have.

By using e a cleaned spray bottle, you can keep your things minimal and could save space.

How to clean out a spray bottle

1. Dishwashing liquid

A fine option to clean out a spray bottle is dishwashing liquid. This versatile cleaning agent could help us clean most any surface including a spray bottle.

Prepare the following materials:

  • dishwashing liquid
  • 50 ml of warm water
  • a container
  • a sponge
  • a bottle brush

First, pour 50 ml of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid into the spray bottle. Put the lid on and shake the bottle gently. After that, wait for 5 minutes. Next, open the cap and scrub the inside of the bottle with a bottle brush.

After that, add water to a container and drop a bit of dishwashing liquid to create soapy water. Dip a sponge in the mixture and scrub the outside area. Also, do not forget to clean the sponge. Last, rinse everything with running water.

You can also use dishwashing liquid to clean a bottle brush.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is probably one of the most versatile solutions you can use in home cleaning including for a spray bottle. The acidity will break the chemical in the bottle.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to clean your spray bottle in only minutes.

Prepare the following materials:

  • 75 ml of vinegar
  • 75 ml of warm water
  • a bottle brush

Mix 75 ml of vinegar and 75 ml of warm water in the bottle.

Put the lid and shake the bottle for a minute or two to soften any old residue.  After that, let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, scrub the inside with a bottle brush. Next, rinse the spray bottle thoroughly under running water.

Last, make sure that the bottle is completely dry before using it.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda is a magical ingredient that can help you clean your bottle and make it smell better.

Prepare the following materials:

  • a cup of baking soda
  • a cup of warm water
  • a brush bottle

Pour the baking soda and water into the bottle at the same time, then put the lid on or cover and shake it gently. This will allow the chemical reaction to reach all areas of the spray bottle, including the bottom.

Let the reaction run in the bottle for five minutes. Then, scrub it with a brush bottle thoroughly. Then, rinse the bottle under running water and dry it completely.

4. Bleach

You can also use bleach to clean a spray bottle.

Prepare the following materials:

  • a half cup of bleach
  • a cup of warm water
  • a bottle brush

Take the spray bottle and mix a half cup of bleach and one cup of warm water into the bottle. Then, seal the bottle to make sure the mixture does not spill. Let this mixture reach out through the whole bottle, then wait for 5 minutes.

Next, scrub the bottle with a bottle brush. Make sure to clean the cap too. After that, rinse it out with running water and dry it outside in the air

5. Castile liquid soap

Castile soap is a type of soap that is made of vegetable oil, and it’s much better for you because it doesn’t contain surfactants or other chemicals that may be harmful. It’s the best thing to use when cleaning the spray bottle.

Using castile soap is also better for the environment.

Prepare the following materials:

  • a quarter cup of castile soap
  • a cup of a warm bottle
  • a bottle brush

Mix a quarter cup of castile soap and a cup of warm water into the bottle. Then, close the cap and shake the bottle well. Next, open the cap and scrub the bottle with a bottle brush.

Do not forget to clean the lid. Then, wash the spray bottle under running water so that all parts of the bottle get wet and clean intensively. Last, dry it before using it again.

6. Lemon water

By using lemon to clean out the spray bottle, you can easily get rid of the leftover content.

The acidity of the juice is strong enough to strip the bottle of impurities and residue, yet is gentle enough that it won’t deteriorate the inside of the spray bottle.

Prepare the following materials:

  • a lemon
  • 50 ml of warm water
  • a bottle brush

Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bottle. Then, add 50 ml of warm water to it. Put the cap on the bottle and shake the bottle well. Wait a while, open the bottle cap, and clean the bottle with a bottle brush.

Then, rinse the bottle thoroughly under running water.

FAQ

Can I reuse a cleaned spray bottle?

It’s a great idea to reuse your spray bottles, but if you do, be sure to wash them well beforehand. Do not buy a new one if you can take good care of the existing one.

Why should you clean bottles carefully?

You should clean the bottle carefully in order to keep it safe. It’s important to clean up all of your bottles because if they are dirty, bacteria can grow and make you ill. If you want to change the content, make sure you sanitize the bottle before using anything on it.

Is it safe to reuse plastic spray bottles?

It is totally safe to reuse plastic spray bottles. Plastic spray bottles are ideal for holding liquids because they don’t crack or break easily. You just need to keep and maintain it clean regularly.

How do you clean a spray nozzle?

Take apart the spray nozzle, use a toothbrush and dishwashing liquid, to clean it out. Spray the nozzle under the water to make sure it is in good condition. Replace the rubber spray nozzle if you see cracks or tears.

How do you fix a spray mist bottle that won’t spray?

Check and rotate the nozzle cap to see if it is not locked. If you found no problem with the cap, disassemble the nozzle and clean with an old toothbrush to remove any dirt or moss that clogs.

How do you unclog a mist spray bottle?

Turn the nozzle counterclockwise to open the cover. Then, open the bottles one by one according to the condition of the bottle. You may need a screwdriver to help. Check for mold or clogs and clean it. Put the nozzle cap back on and spray underwater to test whether it is smooth or not.

What causes spray bottles to stop working?

Your spray bottles stop working because the nozzle is locked, the nozzle is damaged, or the inside of the nozzle is clogged.

Conclusion

Keeping your spray bottle clean is important if you want to have a fine spraying experience.

In this article, we’re going to explain how to clean out a spray bottle for your cleaning and home improvement needs.

  1. Dishwashing liquid
  2. Vinegar
  3. Baking soda
  4. Bleach
  5. Castile soap
  6. Lemon water

Do not hesitate to leave a comment!