Are SodaStream Bottles Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)
Sparkling water is more popular now than ever before. Buying it in bottles or cans can become an expensive habit and is bad for the environment. Thankfully, things like SodaStream exist. In fact, the SodaStream has quickly become one of the most popular modern kitchen tools, as it allows people to make their own carbonated beverages in the comfort of their own home.
The company manufacturers specific bottles to be used with their system. SodaStreams function similar to traditional soda siphons, injecting liquid with carbon dioxide through a pressurized cylinder. The carbonated water that’s produced can be mixed with more than 100 different flavorings. Though, one of the main disadvantages to the SodaStream is cleaning the bottles.
According to the manufacturer, the traditional SodaStream BPA-free plastic bottles are hand wash only and should not be washed in the dishwasher. Since SodaStream custom-makes these bottles to withstand the pressure of carbon dioxide, they have some unique requirements that make them challenging to wash. However, SodaStream does produce two types of bottles that are dishwasher safe: their glass carafe and their ‘My Only Bottle.’
If you’ve just picked yourself up one of these handy sparkling water-making machines, you’re in the right place. This is an ultimate guide to everything you need to know about cleaning SodaStream bottles, the machine itself, and more.
Let’s just jump into it!
Are SodaStream Bottles Dishwasher Safe?
This is a common question that many consumers pose. The manufacturers of SodaStream clearly state that their classic BPA-free plastic bottles are not dishwasher safe. In fact, if you do place these bottles in the dishwasher, the high temperatures can cause permanent damage. These bottles are specially formulated to withstand the pressure from carbon dioxide, but cannot withstand the heat of a dishwasher.
Instead, these bottles are hand wash only. However, there are some bottles produced by SodaStream that clearly state they are ‘dishwasher safe.’ These include the ‘My Only Bottle’ and their glass carafe. However, for best results, it’s always recommended to stick to handwashing.
How to Wash a SodaStream Bottle by Hand
Since SodaStream bottles should not be placed in the dishwasher, you’ll need to resort to dish soap, a scrubbing brush, and your hands. Before you begin the cleaning process, however, you want to verify the age of the bottle. The manufacturer urges that their bottles only be kept for three years, as this is how long they are safety tested for.
While older bottles may be perfectly fine, they are more susceptible to breaking under the pressure of carbon dioxide and will retain undesirable odors more easily. Follow these steps to effectively wash your SodaStream bottles by hand:
1. Pre-Rinse
The first thing you’ll want to do is fill the bottle up with lukewarm water and rinse it out. Then, take a couple of drops of dish soap, and fill the bottle half-full with hot water. Put on a cap and shake it vigorously.
2. Soak
After you’ve shaken the soapy water around, let it sit for around 15 minutes. This allows the soap to get any grime that may be left in the bottle. If you used the bottle for something other than sparkling water, you might want to let it sit for longer.
3. Rinse and Dry
Now, pour out the dirty water and thoroughly rinse out the soap. It might take three or four cycles to get all of the soap out of the bottle. After you’ve done this, set it in a warm area to air dry before using it again.
How to Clean a SodaStream Machine
Now that you know how to properly clean a SodaStream bottle let’s talk about the machine itself. It’s always a good idea to perform regular maintenance on small kitchen appliances like this. It helps promote a longer lifespan and keeps the product as durable as possible.
1. Wipe it Down
First, unplug your SodaStream if you have an electronic version. Take a microfiber cloth and get it damp with warm to hot water. Put some mild detergent on the cloth and gently wipe down the exterior of the machine.
Make sure you get into all the cracks and crevices that could house dirt and grime.
2. Clean the Nozzle
Another thing I like to do is take a SodaStream bottle and fill it with warm water and white vinegar. Put the nozzle in the mixture and use it like you would when making a drink. Then, do another round using just water to perform a rinse cycle.
3. Final Wipe Down
Taking a new cloth, get it damp with warm water, and wipe everything down. This will remove the soap from the outside, as well as any stubborn grime that may be lingering. Plug the machine back in if you have an electronic version and allow it to dry before using it again.
SodaStream Cleaning Tips
Cleaning a SodaStream is generally a simple task. Though, since people often run into unique situations with their appliance, I wanted to share some cleaning tips. That said, here are some common things you might face when owning a SodaStream.
Dealing with Stains
If you’re using the machine to make your own soda at home, you might notice some stains over time. Here’s how you can get rid of those in just a few minutes.
- Make lemon water. Take your stained SodaStream bottle and fill it ¾ full with warm water. Then, take an entire lemon and squeeze the whole thing into the bottle.
- Shake and soak. Shake the bottle vigorously to get the lemon juice all around the interior. Let the mixture soak for 15 minutes. You can go longer if the stains are deep or stubborn.
- Rinse. Once the 15 minutes are up, rinse the water bottle with lukewarm water. You’ll want to do this with three or four tips to ensure all the lemon gets out. Let it dry in a warm and dark area before using it again.
To reach the residue and build-up in the bottles easiest, you’ll need a long, thin scrubbing brush. The brushes that are generally used for washing dishes are ideal, as the bristles are usually compact enough to get past the neck of the bottle.
Smelly SodaStream Bottles
Something else that SodaStream users complain about is a musky smell. This can come from a build-up of excess bacteria within the bottle. Using the same cleaning method above should help kick the unpleasant scent.
The acid from the lemon kills bacteria without negatively affecting the bottle. It’s important to let the bottles dry completely to avoid having too much moisture that will lead to bacteria. Always clean a SodaStream bottle the day you use it.
Specialized Scrubbers
There are specialized bottle scrubbers that get into all the crevices of the bottle you might miss. Some people don’t like using these scrubbers because they have a history of scratching the interior of the bottle. You’ll want to avoid anything that leaves scratch marks because that’s just another area for bacteria to sneak inside.
Steer Clear of Bleach
While bleach may be a great product to clean a variety of things, it should never be used on SodaStream bottles. The bleach will reach with the plastic, leaving not only a bad smell, but it will also weaken the material. If you’re worried about what cleaner to use, SodaStream makes its own cleaning tablets.
SodaStream General Maintenance
You’re practically an expert at this point when it comes to cleaning your Sodastream bottle and the machine. There are a few things that are good to remember when it comes to regular maintenance. Here’s what they are.
1. Allow the Bottle to Dry Completely
The first tip is to always let the whole bottle dry completely on the inside and outside. If you store it away, especially with the top on and water inside, bacteria will grow. Remove all the water before putting the bottle on a shelf after washing it.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
This one is pretty simple and straightforward. You want to avoid the harsh UV light from the sun’s rays. It can damage and warp the plastic of the Sodastream, rendering it useless.
It can be easy to forget the bottle in your car as you run errands or leave it in the sun on the beach. While a few minutes here and there won’t hurt the bottle, an extended period of time will have you shopping for a replacement.
3. Wash Your Sodastream Daily
Another no-brainer is to wash your Sodastream bottles daily. Suppose you don’t use the bottles every day, no worries. Washing them whenever you’re finished with the beverage will prevent stains, smells, and bacteria.
4. Nothing But Water
I remember when I first bought a Sodastream; I was so excited to make sparkling rose lemonade. I thought I could just pour lemonade into the bottle and fizz it up, but that was a big mistake. Sodastream’s are designed to carbonate water only.
Using other forms of liquid can leave residue on the nozzle, which can lead to other issues. If you want to add syrups or flavors to your sparkling water, do so in a separate bottle. Then, pour it into the Sodastream bottle to make cleaning a breeze.
Related Questions
Why do SodaStream bottles expire?
The SodaStream bottles are created to withstand high temperatures and water pressure changes. Due to the carbonation, the plastic of the bottles will eventually degrade. There are expiration dates on each bottle that give you an idea of when they’re good until.
Is SodaStream water bad for you?
There is nothing inherently wrong with SodaStream water. It’s suggested that if you struggle with heartburn or indigestion to steer clear of carbonation. Things can head in an unhealthy direction when you start adding in sugary flavors or using the machine to make soda.Â
How long does a SodaStream bottle last?
On average, you’ll find a SodaStream lasting just over two months. The CO2 cartridge will make about 60 bottles of sparkling water. This equates to roughly getting 60 days worth of use out of the bottle.
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Kirstin is a passionate writer who loves helping people learn new things when it comes to home improvement. When she's not behind a keyboard, she enjoys DIY projects, crafts, spending time with her pets, and making videos. She hopes that with all she writes, someone is finding a solution to their home improvement needs.
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