Can I reuse this moldy waterbottle

[ShazzaF]

I have a lovely stainless steel water bottle that I always use for my toddler when out and about. However, because I'm very organised, I ended up losing in the depths of my car for several months.

Just got it out and there's black moldy sludgy stuff under the silicone seal on the lid. Delicious.

I've taken it all apart and stuck it in the dishwasher as I normally would to wash it.

I don't really understand mold and it freaks me out a bit. Is this enough to clean it? Will it be ok for my toddler to use again afterwards? Is there something else I should do or is it the end of the road for my poor water bottle?

Soak it in milton.

All water bottles get like this even if you wash them daily. Like PP said soak in milton and it will be fine.

If it now looks clean then fine, if it doesn't I would get some Milton and leave it in it for a while before using.

Vinegar first, rinse and then think about Milton.

Fab thanks everyone. Knew I could rely on the collective mumsnet wisdom

Sod's Law - after holding onto our cold water steriliser and a load of Milton tablets for ages and never using them, I've just given them away to a family friend who's pregnant. I'll get a few tablets today.

I'll see how it is when it comes out the dishwasher, I'll use some vinegar too @TheSandgroper

You can just buy a bottle of Milton which might be easier. Dettol also would work if you have a bottle knocking around?

Ooo yes we have dettol @catchmewhenifall ! Would never have thought to use it for something like this, thank you!

I always keep Milton in for this kinda thing, especially water bottles. 😊😊

I bought sterilising tablets to do my metal water bottle then realised the box said not to use them on metal.

So maybe check?

Just be careful if you're using both Milton (a bleach) and vinegar - make sure you've thoroughly rinsed before switching from one to the other, otherwise they react together and make chlorine gas which is toxic.