If your jug has been ignored for months (no judgment here!), bring out the big guns: unscented bleach. Add one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, fill the jug, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly—like, three times—until you can’t smell bleach at all. You want clean water, not a swimming pool cocktail. Trust me on this one.
How to Clean 5 Gallon Water Bottles With Vinegar: Easy Guide
Drying is a Game-Changer
Here’s where most people mess up: they put a wet lid back on. That’s how mold gets a second chance! Instead, leave the jug upside down on a clean dish rack or paper towels for a full day.
Air circulation is your best friend. A dry jug is a happy jug, and a happy jug means fresh-tasting water every time.
