How to Get Rid of Algae in Water Bottles

Algae, autotrophic organisms with plantlike characteristics (including carrying out photosynthesis), mainly grow in aquatic environments. Algae---especially green algae---can often show up in your water bottle---especially when you are hiking or doing another outdoor activity. You can safely clean algae out of a water bottle in 3 main ways.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Bleach
• Water
• Bottle brush

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Instructions

• 1

  Bleach, an effective overall disinfectant, will certainly remove the algae completely. Fill the dirty bottle with 1 part bleach, 1 part water. Allow the mixture to sit in the bottle for 12 hours. Rinse out the bottle completely to avoid ingesting any bleach residue.

• 2

  A lesser-known means for removing algae, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide can also clean your bottle without requiring any scrubbing. This time, use 1 part peroxide and 2 parts water. Once you've filled the bottle, allow it to sit overnight. The bottle should contain no trace of algae after this.

• 3

  For a less toxic method of cleaning algae, try using vinegar. Use equal parts vinegar and water and a brush to scrub the algae out of the bottle. Rinse out the bottle well.