Nalgene is a registered brand under the name “Thermo Fisher Scientific.” The bottles comprise plastic materials produced initially for use in the laboratory. However, they have been helpful over the years for other purposes. Nalgene products include jars, test tubes, Petri dishes and, bottles.
These bottles are lighter than glass but are not brittle. And because of the plastics’ ability to withstand a broad range of temperatures and pressures, they are ideal for myriads of things.
Alright, let’s answer the question.
Are Nalgene bottles dishwasher safe?
Yes. Nalgene bottles are dishwasher safe. The simplest way to clean your Nalgene bottle apart from handwashing is to use a dishwasher. Under your Nalgene bottle is an indication that they are dishwasher safe.
However, ensure you place your Nalgene bottles at the top stack of the dishwasher, far away from the hot parts of the machine. In situations where your bottles are bigger than the top rack, you can hand wash them.
Keep reading to gain more knowledge on this topic
Why Are Nalgene Bottles Awesome?
Nalgene bottles users have had numerous positive things to say about the products. The bottles are viewed as a wise choice for outdoor and indoor use since they’re light, strong, and don’t crack. Nalgene bottles don’t leak. Thus, if placed in a backpack, rest assured your bag won’t get messy, given the bottle is adequately covered.
These Nalgene bottles’ properties are due to the materials they are made of. One of such materials is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a light polymer that can withstand a wide range of heat. And as a consequence, it can perform well outdoors without damage.
HDPE has low reactivity, so it’s conducive for storing water, beverage, and other liquid food. In addition to low reactivity, it’s not toxic to living cells, making it safe for use.
Furthermore, the maximum temperature a Nalgene bottle can withstand is 120 degrees centigrade. But then, it’s not advisable to pour hot content into the bottle. Allow your water or beverage to cool down before you pour them into the bottle.
A Handy Tip: Please, have in mind that dry heat can ruin your Nalgene bottles.
Additionally, Nalgene bottles are lighter than glass but are not as brittle. At freezing temperatures, Nalgene bottles get brittle. So, keep them well-protected during extreme temperatures.
How To Choose The Ideal Nalgene Bottles
Nalgene bottles come in different shapes and sizes. The mouths of the Nalgene bottles also vary in size. You’ll find wide (perfect for fruit infusion or ice cube) and narrow mouths.
So, when choosing a Nalgene bottle, decide the intended use. Consider the settings you wish to use the bottle in, including the type of liquid you plan to store inside the bottle from time to time.
What do you plan to use the bottle for? Is it outdoor sports activities, yoga, Office work, or for your child? Again, would you like to add fruit infusions or put ice cubes in your liquid? If so, then get the wide-mouthed bottle.
It would also make sense a lot of sense to check the different Nalgene bottles out there to make an informed decision.
The bottom line is to pick the ideal Nalgene bottle for you. Consider the size, price, mouth wideness, and other features you think are relevant for that to happen.
How To Wash A Nalgene Bottle With A Dishwasher
It’s possible to wash Nalgene bottles with a dishwasher. Here are the various steps to follow.
Step#1: Empty your Nalgene bottle:
The first thing is to empty the bottle. Ensure there are no food particles or remnants inside. If there are remnants of fruits, which include lime, remove such from the bottles too.
Step#2: Load the bottles into the dishwashing machine:
The next thing is to place your Nalgene bottles gently into the dishwashing machine. Please ensure you put them at the top rack, away from heat.
A Handy Tip: Avoid overlapping your Nalgene bottles with cups and bowls, etc. Doing so will make it difficult for the machine to clean them properly.
Step#3: Load the detergent dispenser:
Now, load your detergent dispenser. And please, endeavor to use detergents made for dishwashers to improve performance and cleanliness.
Furthermore, some dishwashers come with rinse aid. If yours does, endeavor to load the rinse aid properly. And finally, ensure you close the dispensers properly.
A Handy Tip: Whether powder, gelly, or liquid detergents, make sure you load it up to the brim. Filling the detergent dispenser correctly also applies to rinse aids. Fill them to their appropriate level.
Step#4: Decide the wash cycle:
The next step is to choose a wash cycle. Most dishwashers boast just three cycles, which include quick, normal, and heavy-duty wash. However, select the washing cycle based on how soiled your Nalgene bottle is.
Generally, it is best to use the normal wash cycle. Why? It uses moderate temperature, energy and will get the bottles washed at a reasonable time.
Step#5: Inspect the machine:
Finally, double-check to see if you have loaded the Nalgene bottles as you should. If you did, then your dishwasher. Most machines take a couple of hours for a full load wash. Once done, most machines also have light indicators that will signal you.
A Handy Tip: If your Nalgene bottles are bigger than what the top rack of your dishwasher can take, consider washing them by hand.
How To Hand Wash Nalgene Bottle
Firstly, pour some warm water into the Nalgene bottle, allow it to sit for a while, then add baking soda. After that, let it sit for some time, then start washing.
Once you’re done washing the bottles, start rinsing immediately. You have to rinse multiple times with warm water. Now, allow the bottle to dry up.
How long should you soak your Nalgene bottle? Well, if your Nalgene bottles are dirty, the easiest way to remove the dirt is to soak for a while. But that doesn’t mean you should soak them for many hours.
Instead of soaking your bottles this long, consider increasing the baking soda’s nitric acid. And remember that moderation is vital. Excess nitric acid can make the bottle brittle.
You should also not forget that nitric acid boasts powerful oxidizing properties. Thus, it can crack plastic wares, which include Nalgene bottles. So, use only a moderate amount.
In the absence of baking soda, use a detergent. Ensure the detergent boasts unique antibacterial properties. You shouldn’t add too much detergent, too, as doing so can leave the bottle with a soapy taste.
You can use an alcoholic alkaline (e.g., chloroform) to give your Nalgene bottles a final rinse after washing with baking soda and rinsing multiple times. The chloroform will help to remove every trace of nitric acid left in the bottle.
Should you rinse the bottle again after using chloroform? Yes, you should. Rinse two or more times with tap or distilled water, then allow the bottle to dry up.
Please endeavor to wash the thread, cover, and other parts of the Nalgene bottle to prevent salt buildup, which can cause cracking.
You should also avoid alkaline detergents, including the use of abrasive or hard scouring sponges. In trying to keep your Nalgene bottle clean, do not use autoclaves, microwaves, or any form of dry heat.
How Often Should Your Nalgene Bottle Be Washed?
It’s essential to wash your Nalgene bottles daily. It doesn’t matter if you store water or fruits in the bottle. Doing so will help to keep you safe and sound.
So, why is it essential to wash the Nalgene bottles often? Firstly, know that you don’t need to share your Nalgene bottles with someone to consider washing them often.
Remember that when you drink from the bottle, it makes contact with the skin on your mouth. And don’t forget, our skin boasts normal microbial flora. The organisms are also present in healthy and sick persons.
The problem is flora, considered normal while on your skin, won’t be the same way when it lands in your stomach. It’s also not hygienic to leave your bottles for days without washing. It’s a bad habit that might mess up your health.
If you can’t wash your bottles rigorously now and then, don’t panic. You can also have it rinsed with soap and warm water. Do this to get rid of bacteria that could be harmful to you.
Again, your daily washing of the bottles should be at the end of the day, so your Nalgene will be fresh and ready for use by morning.
Can I Keep My Nalgene Bottle Sterile?
Keeping your Nalgene bottles germs-free is very crucial. It’s all these little efforts that keep us safe and sound.
Washing is the simplest way of keeping Nalgene bottles germs-free. The washing involves using antibacterial detergent or baking soda.
If you don’t enjoy using all these chemicals, you can opt for bottles sterilization. Have them flushed with a jet of gas. After that, give them some time to air out. For the record, Formaldehyde is a good example of a gas you can use to sterilize your bottles.
A Handy Tip: Please avoid using dry heat to sterilize your Nalgene bottle.
Conclusion
Nalgene bottles are your go-to companions for staying hydrated all day, no matter the environment or setting you are in. They are a must-have for use in a varied setting, as they come in different mouth wideness, forms, and sizes.
Nalgene bottles are all dishwasher safe. The use of dishwashers remains the easiest way to clean up your Nalgene bottle. But if your bottle is bigger than the top rack of your dishwasher, revert to handwashing.
