How to Sterilize Plastic Pop Bottles

When reusing plastic bottles for drinking water or other beverages it's important to sterilize the containers before drinking out of them again. This can help remove harmful bacteria from the surface area and reduce your risk of illness. Over time, reusing the bottle will cause the materials to break down and become a little softer, at which time you may consider recycling it.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare a sanitizing solution of bleach and water. The proper ratio is one tablespoon of bleach per one gallon of water. You won't need an entire gallon of water to clean your pop bottle, but you can use the remainder of the solution over time. Having a bleach solution nearby is handy for other sanitizing concerns.

• 2

  Fill the bottle with soap and water. Place a drop of dish soap into the soda bottle and then fill with water. Place the cap on the bottle and give it a few shakes, pour out the soapy water.

• 3

  Rinse the bottle well, getting as much of the soap residue out as possible.

• 4

  Pour the bleach solution into the bottle up to the top and leave the cap off. Allow the bottle to sit for at least two minutes in order for the bleach to be effective.

• 5

  Flush the bottle with clean water and air dry.