Hip flasks are thin containers used to hold distilled beverages such as brandy, rum, vodka and whisky. Small enough to carry around in the pocket, these discreet little containers are used to steal a quick shot in a place where alcohol is impermissible. These flasks which have been around since the Middle Ages are usually made up of pewter or silver. Most flasks these days however, are made from plastic or stainless steel.

Because of its unique shape and its narrow opening, one might think hip flasks are difficult to clean. Apparently, cleaning hip flasks is not as difficult as it may seem. Just exercise a bit of caution along the way and everything should turn out fine. With this, let me share to you some tips on how to clean a hip flask.

OLD FASHIONED WHITE VINEGAR METHOD

1. Pour one cup of water and one cup of distilled white vinegar in a container.

2. Mix the two liquids until the water and the vinegar is thoroughly combined. Set aside.

3. Fill the hip flask with hot water and pour it out. Repeat this process several times. Be careful not to burn yourself while doing this. Use towels and tongs if necessary to protect yourself.

4. Fill half of the flask with the water and vinegar solution. Close the top of the flask and shake it well for about 20 to 30 seconds.

5. Pour out the water and vinegar solution.

6. Fill the hip flask with hot water again and pour it out.

7. For the second time around, fill half of the flask with the water and vinegar solution. Close the top of the flask and shake it well for about 20 to 30 seconds.

8. Pour out the water and vinegar solution.

9. For the last time, fill the flask with hot water and pour it out to clear out any residues.

10. Turn the flask upside down on a paper towel to dry.

BAKING SODA METHOD

1. Put 3 teaspoons of baking soda into your flask and fill it up with hot water.

2. Close the top of the flask and shake it well for about 20 to 30 seconds. You can use a towel or a potholder to hold the flask to avoid burning yourself.

3. Leave to soak for about half an hour to an hour to remove all the alcohol odor.

4. Pour out the baking soda and water solution and rinse thoroughly.

5. Turn the flask upside down to dry.