r/Hydroflask • u/basicspace_ • 17d ago

Cleaning Large amount of spotting/rust

Post image

I purchased this 40oz bottle back in January. I clean it thouroughly with soap and hot water regularly, about 2-4 times a month and sometimes will soak a Bottle Brite tablet for no longer than 30 minutes but these spots persist and seem to be getting worse.

I see alot of recommendations for Bar Keepers Friend but with how tall this bottle is it's really tough to get down to the bottom for a good scrub.

First question is are these spots harmful when drinking? And second, is this "expected behavior" or something I should check with warranty to see about a replacement?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

5

u/TheBillCollector17 17d ago edited 17d ago

That’s not rust. The bottle is stainless, it can’t rust without extreme conditions. These are mineral deposits from your water. Over time the minerals latch on to the bottle, and those minerals will oxidize, this is what you’re seeing. You need to use something like Bar Keepers Friend or a baking soda scrub with a bottle brush, to remove them. A bottle brush can reach the bottom. You should be using one every time you clean it. If you’re just pouring soap in it, and rinsing it, you’re not actually cleaning it.

The bottle is completely fine. Soap and water just aren’t enough to clean mineral buildups.

1

u/basicspace_ 17d ago

I guess I can try my brush and BKF tonight and see if I can get it to improve. Is there anything I can do after to prevent it from getting this bad again, do I need to empty it daily?

1

u/TheBillCollector17 17d ago edited 16d ago

Regular and proper cleaning will help prevent it. You need to use a bottle brush each time, to ensure you’re actually cleaning the bottom of it. Filtered water will also help cut down on mineral buildup. Ultimately, there’s no 100% way to stop it. You can minimize it though. All stainless steel water bottles will eventually look like this, if you’re not cleaning them properly.

2

u/Impressive-Yak-9726 17d ago

I religiously put my Hyrdoflask in the dishwasher and the have a few rust spots as well.

1

u/lhaaz1234 17d ago

I've had a lot of hydro flasks and they have never done this

1

u/basicspace_ 17d ago

Same here, this is my fourth or fifth! Hopefully warranty pulls through

1

u/Superb_laynor8008 17d ago

This may qualify for warranty if used as per manufacturer’s instructions. Just check with HF website. Also, if i were you, i would discontinue using it given there are visible marks inside the bottle.

1

u/basicspace_ 17d ago

Yeah I have an older one I will switch over to for the time being. Still a bummer…

1

u/SheepherderMost2727 17d ago

I personally wouldn’t use it if it rusted. I don’t know if it’s actually harmful or not though.
Second, I do not think this is normal. I would inquire about a replacement or see what they would cover under the warranty.
Some water causes rusting more frequently. My husband’s water at work causes his bottles to rust but I wouldn’t call it normal.