Cleaning out empty handcream bottle

Savvy_Sue

I have a small bottle of chocolate handcream from the Bodyshop which has separated and 'gone off' (smells foul!) - well I have had it for a year so I suppose I mustn't grumble as it was fine a little while ago!

Anyway, I want to re-use the bottle, only for different handcream. How do I clean it out though? I can scrape most of what's left out, then do I shake it up with lots of washing up liquid and hot water?

Bogof_Babe

Savvy_Sue wrote:

then do I shake it up with lots of washing up liquid and hot water?

Yep, that's what I do. In fact you could probably leave out the w/u liquid.

Smiley_Mum

There must surely me something on the Moneysaving Oldstyle thread for this, bicarbonate soda etc.

Came across this link on how to clean tommee tippee cups etc, bottles etc. Using Polident which is like a denture cleanser. Worth a look.

http://wiki.ehow.com/Clean-Sippy-Cup-Lids-and-Baby-Bottles

henhog

After you have washed it out you could put it in the dishwasher on the economy / 50 degree wash - the bottle - I presume it is one of the plastic ones they usually use in the Body Shop will be fine - I've done this.

Savvy_Sue

Thanks all. Henhog, my dishwashers are all of the two legged variety, and I know if I put it to be washed it will just sit there being ignored so I shall have to do it myself! Smiley Mum, I was expecting vinegar ... but since it smells rather vile at the moment I didn't want to make it any worse! Bogof Babe I shall see how it goes without w/u l but presumed it would need it because a bit greasy.

Will report back ...

pavlovs_dog

you may find standing the offending bottle in a bowl of hot water will hep get the offending contents out (if you havent already started attacking said bottle)

and you could always try filling it for a day or two with something more fragant in the hope of disgusing the smell.

would milton sterilising stuff be any good at getting rid of the odour?

Smiley_Mum

Toiletries now have little pots printed on the back with the number of months you have to use the product, 12, 24 etc. LUSH have dates on their products to tell you when to use them by. I think most things are 12 months.

Anne_Marie_2

Savvy_Sue wrote:

Thanks all. Henhog, my dishwashers are all of the two legged variety, and I know if I put it to be washed it will just sit there being ignored so I shall have to do it myself! Smiley Mum, I was expecting vinegar ... but since it smells rather vile at the moment I didn't want to make it any worse! Bogof Babe I shall see how it goes without w/u l but presumed it would need it because a bit greasy.

Will report back ...

Can totally equate with this one! If it is not a plate or cup, it doesn't get washed by DD or DH. They just "don't see them". I can feel a rant coming on! Baking trays, pots and numerous other things are ignored - and then they expect you to kiss their feet as they have washed the dishes! I cannot remember ever having announced that I washed the dishes, or clothes come to think of it - it just gets done.
On the rare occassions when dishes get dried, they are left out on worktops - as "they don't know where to put them". Only lived here 23 years, okay kitchen changed in that time, but quite a few years ago. Anyway, they know where to pick up a plate, bowl, pot etc. so what is it about putting it back?

Sorry for that, but am sure there are others in similar situation (don't tell me I am alone or I will really crack)!

As to original query - plenty soapy stuff such as washing up liquid or shower gel originally to clear out gloop. Rinse and rinse like mad to get rid of all soapy residue. If you still have that smell, drop of tea tree oil in water, leave overnight and rinse out - should do the trick.

Bennifred

How about putting some (uncooked!) grains of rice into the bottle with the washing up liquid/water and then shaking like mad - the grains act like little scourers to bring off any residue. I do this for vases which have been left too long and it works quite well. Don't forget the lid........ :rolleyes:

misty

Bennifred wrote:

How about putting some (uncooked!) grains of rice into the bottle with the washing up liquid/water and then shaking like mad - the grains act like little scourers to bring off any residue. I do this for vases which have been left too long and it works quite well. Don't forget the lid........ :rolleyes:

I do this too and it really works when you can't get your hand or a brush in.

Savvy_Sue

misty wrote:

I do this too and it really works when you can't get your hand or a brush in.

I wonder if that would work with my gravy syringe ...

Thanks for all the suggestions, only just out of bed today and I was out last night (forgot I was going out for a meal with friends, how embarrassing is that!) but will add it to the bits and pieces I have to get round to today. As well as the shopping, Anne-Marie!