Are there any tricks to cleaning a flask?
I've had to do this (I collect flasks) and the easiest way is to pour in a bit of vodka and shake it up real good. Dump/drink it out and let it air dry. Vodka is pretty neutral as far a liquors go so I don't find this taints the container. I'd avoid using hot water or just water in general as with some older flasks the metal used can oxidize faster. I don't suggest storing or leaving liquor for long periods in metal flasks as it will take on the flavor of metal.
9 Answers
These should be good for cleaning any metallic flask. they also sell a very handy cleaning brush.
SIGG Cleaning Tablets:http://mysigg.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=333
I only have one flask, but I clean it well enough where it doesn't smell like alcohol or anything.
I dump anything inside the flask out.
I then rinse it with hot water multiple times.
Now put a little bit of dish soap in it (like 1 drop)
Now fill it halfway with hot water.
Now close the lid and vigorously shake it.
Dump out the soapy water and rinse the flask about 5-10 times.
Leave the flask to sit in your dish drainer for a day or so upside down.
And if you've been sober long enough to let fur grow in the flask, throw in a little piece of a rag (with your soapy vodka or whatever) and that will help rub the nasties off the inside when you shake it.
Oxi Clean is great at getting rid of anything in any container. Put in some Oxi Clean, add some warm water, shake it up, and let it soak. Your flask will be clean and shiny, good as new.
To clean my flask, I use a powdered wine bottle sterilizer available at any DIY wine making store. The stuff is dirt cheap and will strip almost anything out of flasks, wine bottles, etc. Use one tablespoon of powder in the flask and fill it with lukewarm water. Shake and let sit for 20 min. and then rinse well. ( Also works great for cleaning out hydration pack bladders).
Cheers.
I've had to do this (I collect flasks) and the easiest way is to pour in a bit of vodka and shake it up real good. Dump/drink it out and let it air dry. Vodka is pretty neutral as far a liquors go so I don't find this taints the container. I'd avoid using hot water or just water in general as with some older flasks the metal used can oxidize faster. I don't suggest storing or leaving liquor for long periods in metal flasks as it will take on the flavor of metal.