A flask is commonly used to contain alcohol. Some alcoholic drinks can leave a lingering scent as well as a stickiness if your container is not cleaned thoroughly often enough. Some people might also want to clean their recently purchased flasks just to be on the safe and clean side.

Cleaning a New Flask

A new container is usually clean but if you are the type who wish to make sure (just like me!) you will want to give your new purchase a good once over with dishwashing soap and water. You do not need to use any abrasives, tools or even any strong cleaning agents. This is unless you doubt the source of the container.

Cleaning to Get Rid of Smell

Most flasks are made from stainless steel, glass, and plastic. These can hold the strong smell of liquor or alcohol. In order to get rid of the lingering smell, you need to prepare cleaning agents that are targeted for getting rid of smells. The following are two ways to get rid of smells from your flask:

• Prepare equal quantities of white vinegar, sodium bicarbonate and water. Pour into your flask, cover well and shake for 20 seconds.
• Repeat the shaking at least three times. Let the mixture stand in the container for about 5-10 minutes.
• Pour out the vinegar mixture; rinse well with hot water (be careful handling your flask when it is full of hot water).
• 2.Prepare equal amounts of lemon juice and water. Pour both ingredients in the flask, cover and shake for 10-20 seconds.
• Let the mixture stay in the container for about 5 minutes and then pour it out.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water (handle your flask with care when using hot or warm water)

Dry your flask by keeping it open and turning it upside down. Do not stick the opening onto a surface (this will keep the flask opening closed even when upside down). Try to keep the spout open so that it will air dry.

Getting Rid of Residue

Alcohol can leave residue which can stick to the corners or seams of the flask. The irregular shape of the container can limit the use of a bottle brush but it can still be used for the most part of the flask. The following methods can help to get rid of residue from your flask:

Method 1

Handle with care since some materials can conduct heat.

• Use 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and pour in the flask along with really hot water.
• Mix well and leave for 30 minutes, uncapped. Rinse out baking soda mixture and air dry.

Method 2

• Put a tablespoon of table salt in your flask and add a few ice cubes. Close your container and give it a gentle 10-15 second shake.
• Uncover and pour out ice cubes, Rinse well and air dry.

Method 3

• Pour in 4 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice into a dry flask. Shake enthusiastically for about 3 minutes,
• Let the mixture stand in the flask for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse well. Leave flask out to dry naturally.
• You can also add a teaspoon of uncooked white rice in the mixture before shaking as an abrasive agent if you want.

Method 4

• Use a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent (the powdered kind for use in dishwashers) with hot water.
• Put inside your flask with the lid off and leave overnight. Rinse thoroughly the next day.