Forget hard brushes! This is a simple way to clean ice thermos crust using a citrus mixture

illustration photo: Gemini AI

Brilio.net – Have a large rice thermos or ice thermos at home? This tool is really reliable, both for family picnics and for those who are running a culinary business. Its ability to maintain temperature without electricity is truly a winner.

But the problem is, because it is often carried around, the outside of the thermos is often the victim. Soil stains, oil marks, or black crust usually stick to it and make it look disheveled.

If you just wash it with regular soap, these stubborn stains often refuse to come off. Don’t worry, there are surefire tricks from the YouTube channel Bario channel that you can try. The capital is just two simple ingredients that are easy to obtain.

“The color is like this, there are lots of stubborn crusts, there are two ingredients needed,” said Bario in the video, quoted BrilioFoodMonday (16/2/2026).

Material Preparation

Before starting, first prepare the cleaning “potion”:

– Citrus Powder (1 small packet)
– Detergent powder (1 small packet)
– Hot water
– Spray bottle (spray)

Thermos Cleaning Steps

1. Mix Cleaning Solution: Put hot water in a spray bottle. Mix citrus powder and detergent into it. Shake or stir until all the powder is completely dissolved in the hot water.

photo: YouTube/Bario channel

2. Spray and Leave: Spray the solution evenly over the entire dirty outer surface of the thermos. Leave it for a few minutes. This standing process is important so that the chemical reaction of the citrus and detergent can soften the crust that sticks.

photo: YouTube/Bario channel

3. Scrub and Rinse: After letting it sit, take a dry cloth or napkin, then gently rub the crusty area. You will see the stain fall off easily. Finally, rinse with clean water and dry.

photo: YouTube/Bario channel

FAQ for Descaling Ice Flasks or Rice Flasks

1. Is it mandatory to use hot water in this mixture?

Yes, hot water helps speed up the dissolution of citrus and detergent, and is more effective in softening hardened grease or dirt.

2. Is citrus safe for the outer plastic of the thermos?

In general, citrus is safe to use on hard plastic surfaces such as rice flasks for short periods of time. However, make sure you rinse thoroughly so as not to leave a white residue.

3. Can you use liquid detergent instead of powder?

It’s possible, but powdered detergent often has a stronger concentration of active ingredients to remove crusty stains on rough surfaces.

4. How long is the ideal time to let the spray sit before rubbing?

About 5 to 10 minutes is enough. Make sure the surface remains damp and don’t let the solution dry on the surface of the thermos because it could leave new spots.

5. Can this method be used to clean the inside of a thermos?

This method is specifically for the outside. For the inside, you should use safer materials (such as food grade) because they will be in direct contact with food or drinks.

(brl/tin)