How to clean a water jerry can?

Regular cleaning and proper disinfection are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of water stored in a jerry can, preventing the growth of bacteria and algae.

Why Clean Your Water Jerry Can?

A clean water jerry can is essential for safe drinking water. Over time, water storage containers can develop a build-up of residue, mold, mildew, or harmful bacteria, even with regular use. Disinfecting your jerry can regularly helps to:

• Prevent Contamination: Eliminates microorganisms that could make water unsafe to drink.
• Maintain Water Quality: Ensures your stored water remains fresh and free from unpleasant tastes or odors.
• Extend Container Lifespan: Reduces the likelihood of stubborn stains or irreparable damage from microbial growth.

Essential Materials for Cleaning

To effectively clean and disinfect your water jerry can, gather the following materials:

• Fresh Water: For rinsing and mixing solutions.
• Unscented Household Bleach: (5%–9% sodium hypochlorite, no added cleaners or scents). This is a widely recommended disinfectant for water storage containers.
• Measuring Spoons or Cups: For accurate bleach measurement.
• Bottle Brush (Optional): For scrubbing stubborn residue if present.
• Safety Gloves: To protect your hands when handling bleach.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disinfecting Your Jerry Can

This process focuses on disinfection using bleach, which is a key part of maintaining a clean water jerry can.

Step 1: Initial Rinse

Begin by rinsing your jerry can thoroughly with clean water. This step helps to remove any loose dirt, debris, or visible sediment that might be present inside the container. If there's significant build-up, you can use a bottle brush with water and a mild detergent (then rinse very thoroughly) before proceeding to disinfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Disinfectant Solution

Create a disinfecting solution using unscented household bleach. A common and effective ratio is one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water. For example, if you have a 5-gallon jerry can, you would mix 5 teaspoons of bleach with 5 gallons of water. Always add the bleach to the water, not the other way around.

Step 3: Introduce Solution and Swirl

Carefully pour the prepared bleach solution into your jerry can. Once the solution is inside, close the cap securely. Swirl the container vigorously so that the solution touches all the inside of the container. This ensures that every internal surface, including the hard-to-reach areas, comes into contact with the disinfectant.

Step 4: Allow to Disinfect

After thoroughly swirling the solution, let it sit for 30 seconds. This brief dwell time is sufficient for the bleach to effectively neutralize bacteria and other microorganisms inside the container.

Step 5: Empty the Can Thoroughly

Once the 30-second disinfection period is complete, you should take the spigot off and dump the water out completely. Ensure all the bleach solution is emptied from the jerry can. It is important to fully remove the solution.

Step 6: Air Dry Completely

Finally, let it air dry. To facilitate complete drying and prevent new microbial growth, it's best to place the jerry can upside down, possibly at an angle, with the cap off. Ensure good air circulation around and within the container until it is completely dry before storing or refilling it with water.

Maintenance Tips for Water Storage

Beyond periodic cleaning, consider these tips for ongoing maintenance:

• Store Properly: Keep your clean jerry can in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, which can promote algae growth.
• Inspect Regularly: Before each use, quickly inspect the can for any signs of damage, leaks, or residue.
• Routine Schedule: Establish a routine for cleaning your jerry can, especially if it's used for long-term water storage or frequently refilled.

Quick Disinfection Steps Summary

For a rapid overview of the disinfection process: