The narrow neck can be sorted out with rice and vinegar: put in a handful of rice, a little vinegar and lukewarm water, and shake. The rice acts as a mild abrasive that reaches the spots a brush can't. Vinegar removes limescale, bicarbonate of soda neutralises odours, and a bottle brush handles the rest. Always dry the jug with the opening facing down.
Contents
A jug or carafe often has a narrow neck and a wide base – a shape that's beautiful to look at, but tricky to get properly clean on the inside. Neither your hand nor an ordinary sponge can reach the bottom. Luckily, there are some simple household tricks that can put an end to limescale, build-up and odours.
Why is it tricky?
The problem is access. The narrow opening means you can't reach the bottom and sides with your fingers or a wide sponge. So it's about either using something that can move freely around inside, or a brush that's long and narrow enough to reach all the way down.
Method 1: Rice and vinegar
This is the classic solution for build-up and cloudiness you can't just wipe away.
- Put a handful of uncooked rice in the jug.
- Add a good splash of vinegar and a little lukewarm water.
- Hold your hand over the opening, and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds.
- The rice scours gently against the glass or glaze and loosens the build-up.
- Pour it out, and rinse thoroughly until all the rice grains are gone.
Tip: If it doesn't work the first time, let the rice, vinegar and water sit in the jug for about half an hour before shaking again. That gives the vinegar time to loosen the build-up, and the rice does the rest.
Method 2: Vinegar against limescale
If the jug has a whitish limescale ring from water, vinegar is the best solution. Fill the jug with a mixture of vinegar and water, and let it soak for half an hour to an hour. The acid in the vinegar dissolves the limescale, so afterwards you just need to rinse and perhaps give it a light brush.
Method 3: Bicarbonate of soda against odours
If the jug smells musty because it's been left with liquid in it or with the lid on, bicarbonate of soda is the answer. Add a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, fill up with lukewarm water, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Bicarbonate of soda neutralises odours instead of just masking them.
Method 4: Bottle brush
A long, flexible bottle brush is a great tool for daily cleaning. Choose one with soft bristles so you don't scratch the glaze or glass, and feel free to combine it with one of the other methods for stubborn build-up.
| Problem | Method | Works against |
|---|---|---|
| Build-up/cloudiness | Rice and vinegar | Dried-on build-up at the bottom |
| White ring | Vinegar soak | Limescale from water |
| Unpleasant odour | Bicarbonate of soda soak | Musty smell |
| Daily cleaning | Bottle brush | Everyday dirt |
How to dry it
The narrow neck also makes drying a bit tricky, and moisture left inside the jug can create new odours. So turn the jug upside down on a rack or against a tea towel so the water can drain out and air can circulate. Let it dry completely before putting it away with the lid on.
Frequently asked questions
Why is rice good for cleaning a jug?
Uncooked rice acts as a mild abrasive that moves freely around as you shake, reaching the spots at the bottom and on the sides that a brush can't get to.
How do I remove limescale from a jug?
Fill the jug with a mixture of vinegar and water, and let it soak for half an hour to an hour. The acid in the vinegar dissolves the limescale, after which you rinse it well.
What do I do about a bad smell in the jug?
Add a couple of teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda, fill up with lukewarm water, and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Bicarbonate of soda neutralises the smell instead of masking it.
Can I use a bottle brush?
Yes, a long, bendy bottle brush with soft bristles is great for everyday cleaning. Avoid hard bristles, as they can scratch glaze or glass.
How do I dry a jug on the inside?
Turn the jug upside down on a rack or over a tea towel so the water drains out and air can circulate. Let it dry completely before putting the lid on.
Summary
A jug or carafe can be tricky to reach right down into, but rice and vinegar shaken together tackle build-up, vinegar soaking removes limescale, and bicarbonate of soda neutralises smells. A soft bottle brush is great for everyday use. Remember to dry the jug with the opening facing down so it becomes completely dry and odour-free.
Read also
- The difference between a jug and a carafe
- How do you remove limescale from glass?
- How do you clean ceramics?
Discover beautiful jugs at Dims Studio: explore our range of jugs.
