5 Things to Know About Cleaning a Cooler With Bleach

Use diluted bleach Mix one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water. This kills mold, leaves no residue, and won’t stain plastic.

Scrub and let it sit Scrub the inside with a soft brush or sponge, let the solution sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Air dry completely Let the cooler air dry with the lid open before storing. This prevents moisture from causing more mold.

Skip vinegar and baking soda White vinegar works but takes longer and smells. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that doesn’t kill spores.

Never mix bleach with acid Do not mix bleach with vinegar or anything acidic. This creates chlorine gas, which is toxic. Use only bleach and water.