Not many people realize this, but cleaning a copper water bottle isn’t quite the same as scrubbing down your plastic, glass, or stainless-steel one.
The big difference? Copper and dishwashers are mortal enemies.
Toss one in, and the heat plus detergent combination will happily strip away its shine and leave you with a sad, dull bottle.
That’s why I avoid the dishwasher altogether. With copper, handwashing is the way to go.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I clean my copper bottles and why mine still look fresh after months of use. For this guide, I’ll be working with a bottle from Artisan’s Anvil – in my experience, it’s the best copper water bottle.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
How Do I Clean the Inside of My Copper Water Bottle?
First of all, a few things I noticed:
- Soap can leave a residue in your copper bottle
- Copper is easy to scratch (even with a fingernail), so I don’t use my usual bottle brushes that could scratch the interior (if the brush has soft bristles, though, it’s perfectly safe to wash it that way).
Instead, copper loves natural cleaners like lemon, vinegar, or baking soda. Here’re my three most used methods:
Method #1: Lemon + Salt Trick
If copper bottles had a favorite spa treatment, this would be it. The lemon + salt method is simple, natural, and surprisingly effective.
Here’s how it works:
- Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze the juice into your bottle.
- Add about a teaspoon of salt.
- Pour in a little warm water (not boiling, copper isn’t a fan of extreme heat).
- Close the lid and shake like you’re making a cocktail.
As you swirl, the acidity of the lemon loosens up tarnish and mineral buildup, while the salt scrubs away at any stubborn spots.
After a minute or two, empty the bottle, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and let it air dry. What you’ll be left with is a refreshed, clean interior without any soapy residue or chemical aftertaste.
Pro tip: If your bottle is really tarnished, you can rub the cut side of a lemon (dipped in salt) directly on the mouth of the bottle or any visible stains. Works really nice for me!
Method #2: Vinegar + Water Rinse
The vinegar + water method is a tried-and-true approach that uses nothing but pantry staples and a little patience.
Here’s how to do it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in your copper bottle.
- Close the lid and give it a gentle shake.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. For stubborn tarnish, you can let it rest for up to an hour.
- Empty the bottle and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
The acidity of vinegar works to dissolve mineral deposits and neutralize any lingering odors. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, it’s gentle on your copper but tough on grime.
For extra cleaning power, swirl the mixture with a few grains of salt. After rinsing, let your bottle air dry completely.
Method #3: Baking Soda Refresh
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, safe, and surprisingly effective at removing stubborn residue without scratching your bottle.
Here’s how to do it:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to your copper bottle.
- Pour in warm water, about halfway, and close the lid.
- Shake the bottle vigorously for 30-60 seconds.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes if there’s any lingering discoloration.
- Empty, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and let air dry.
Baking soda helps neutralize odors and brighten your copper, leaving it looking clean and polished. It’s perfect for regular maintenance and works well in rotation with the lemon + salt or vinegar methods.
For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water, rub gently on the inside with a soft bottle brush, then rinse.
How Often Should You Wash a Copper Water Bottle?
So how often should you wash them? The answer depends on how you use them.
- Daily use with water only: Rinse your copper bottle every day with warm water and a soft brush or sponge. A full cleaning with one of the deep-clean methods (lemon + salt, vinegar rinse, or baking soda) once a week is plenty.
- Occasional flavored drinks: If you add juice, tea, or anything acidic, clean it right after use. Residue can build up faster, and the acids may tarnish the copper over time.
- After long storage: If your bottle has been sitting empty for a few days, give it a rinse and a quick scrub before refilling.
A good rule of thumb: clean before it looks dirty, not after. Copper is forgiving, but letting gunk sit will make cleaning harder later.
What Happens If I Don’t Wash a Copper Bottle?
Even plain water leaves behind minerals, and over time, those minerals can build up into a stubborn white film inside your bottle.
If you add juices, tea, or other beverages, things get messier. Residue can accumulate, creating an environment for bacteria or mold to grow, especially if the bottle sits for a few days. The longer you go without cleaning, the more noticeable the smell and taste can become, and that shiny copper glow can start to tarnish faster too.
So, while skipping a day or two probably won’t hurt, making cleaning a habit keeps your bottle safe, fresh, and looking as good as the day you bought it.
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
