How to Clean Your Lunch Box and Water Bottle

Keep your lunch gear fresh and ready to go with these simple steps for cleaning your lunch box and water bottle. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Clear it out. Empty any leftover food or crumbs from your lunch box into the trash or compost bin. If your water bottle has any old water inside, pour it down the sink.
2. Wash the lunch box. Add a small drop of soap to your sponge and wet it with warm water. Wipe the inside and outside of your lunch box thoroughly. If there are stubborn spots, scrub them gently with the sponge.
3. Scrub the bottle. Fill your water bottle halfway with warm water and a tiny drop of soap. Use your bottle brush to scrub the inside walls and the bottom. Don't forget to scrub the lid and the mouthpiece inside and out.
4. Rinse and dry. Rinse the lunch box and water bottle well under warm running water until all the soap bubbles are gone. Use a clean towel to dry them, or leave them open on a drying rack overnight so they are completely dry by morning.