How To Clean A Metal Sports Whistle Without Nasty Chemicals

Step 1: Pan Or Pop The Kettle On – Boil your whistle in water for no more than 60 seconds to loosen and remove debris and kill bacteria. Soaking in boiled water also works for whistles that are not so grimy.

Step 2: Scrub – Grab a bristle brush and give it a good scrub with soap and water. Reach into the crevices and small parts to effectively remove dirt and grime.

Step 3: Rinse & Repeat – Use tap water to remove any residue and soap suds.

Step 4: Air Dry or Use a Dishcloth – Leave to dry on a paper towel or pat dry with a dishcloth.

Step 1: Concoct Your Natural Solution – Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of tap water

Step 2: Bath time! –  Soak the whistle in the solution for 8-12 hours. Let the vinegar’s acidic properties break down mineral deposits, grime, and dirt and its antimicrobial properties kill bacteria and germs

Step 3: Scrub – Gently with a cloth or sponge using the mild abrasiveness of the baking soda

Step 4: Rinse & Repeat – Use tap water and give it a thorough dry
Note: Avoid using vinegar if your whistle has a plating or coating as it can damage it.

Step 1: Soak It Up – Fully submerge your whistle in a bowl of white vinegar and let it soak for 1-3 hours. This will allow the vinegar to penetrate and dissolve any build-up on the surface
 
Step 2: Scrub – After the soak, grab a brush or cloth and give your whistle a gentle scrub to remove any remaining dirt or grime. I love using a pipe cleaner to really get into every groove.
 
Step 3: Power of Vinegar – The low acidity of the white vinegar will break down the dirt and its antimicrobial properties will kill bacteria and germs, leaving your whistle naturally disinfected after cleaning
 
Step 4: Rinse and Dry – Give your whistle a good rinse with tap water, and then give it a thorough dry with a clean dishcloth. You shouldn’t have to repeat.
 
Note: It’s best to avoid using vinegar if your whistle is plated or coated, as the acidity can cause damage.

Step 1: Mix It Up – Grab a teaspoon of baking soda and enough tap water to fully submerge your whistle. Stir it up until it’s a nice solution.

Step 2: Boil with Caution – Boiling your whistle is an option, but only for 60 seconds max. To make it easier, bring the solution to a boil first, then use tongs to carefully drop in your whistle. Just remember, boiling isn’t a good idea if your whistle is plated or coated as it can strip it.

Step 3: Scrub-a-Dub-Dub – Once the solution has cooled, use it to give your whistle a gentle scrub with a toothbrush or cloth.

Step 4: Be Careful with the Heat – Be mindful of the temperature and duration of the boiling process. Overheating or boiling for too long can damage your whistle, so be careful!

Cleaning a metal whistle in a washing machine is possible, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure that the whistle is not damaged during the cleaning process. Here’s what I recommend 👇

Step 1: Give it a Safe Home – Toss your whistle into a mesh laundry bag, pillowcase, or even the pocket of your pants to protect it from getting banged around by the agitator or other clothing in the wash.

Step 2: Use the Gentle Cycle – Your whistle deserves a gentle wash, so make sure to select the gentle cycle on your washing machine to prevent any damage from high-speed agitation.

Step 3: Mild Detergent, Please – Use a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate items to avoid any damage to your whistle. Keep in mind that washing a whistle in a machine isn’t recommended for those with plating or coatings as it can cause harm. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.

Step 4: Bleach, Bye Bye – Say no to bleach and chlorine-based detergents as they can discolor or damage your whistle.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly – After the cleaning cycle is done, remove your whistle from the machine and give it a thorough drying. Use a cloth or towel to dry your whistle and avoid putting it in the dryer.