Cleaning out Army Surplus Water Canteens, ect.

[John Sheridan]

I just got me an Army Surplus Plastic 1 gallon water canteen and was wondering how I would go about washing it out so it's Ok to drink from, I have no idea if the bottle is used or not, but i just want to be certain it's clean enough to drink out of.


I was thinking the old hot boiling water trick would work, but maybe some extra chemicals would be nice, any suggestions

Cheers.

[Miyata610]

I'm guessing it's from the USA since its the only country using the old system of weights and measures. Or does it pre-date our conversion to metric, which started in 1970?

I'd use a weak chlorine solution.

[John Sheridan]

Says 2002 on the bottom

[Swifty]

boiling water, yes, then fill with a 1:10 dilution of vinegar, let stand a few hours, then rinse.
Don't drink the vinegar.

[corvus]

Milton Anti-bacterial tablets as used to sterilize baby's bottles and things ,available in the Baby section of your supermarket or local Pharmacy.
corvus

[Bluegum Mic]

Ill second the Milton tablets. Baby section at coles/chemist. Buy the tablets. I use them also for cleaning my hydration bladder etc.
Edit: sorry Corvus I just read your whole post and its identical to mine. Well said

[Rob A]

Unless you know von Braun, Domestos or Bam. Give it a good shake up with warm and let sit. Rinse it out a couple of times and dry it, or dont dry it. When it goes slick inside again, rinse it out with domestos or ... etc.

[John Sheridan]

I think my Nephew uses Milton tablets to clean out his beer bottles before you brews his latest batch, I swear I heard him mention them

Good enough for beer good enough for a Water Canteen :0

Cheers.