Thermos FAQs: What you want to know

How does a Thermos bottle work?

A Thermos uses a vacuum, sealed around a glass bottle, to insulate whatever you put inside. The glass lowers the odds for heat transfer, and the vacuum outside of the glass blocks any heat that would get through. Coupled with strong thermo plastic seals in the cap, then encased in stainless steel, or molded thermoformed plastic, you have a perfectly insulated container for your foods or beverages.

Is this space-age technology?

Actually, no, although the inside of a space-ship is protected much in the same way as your coffee or soup is. The first vacuum-flask was actually created in 1896 by an Oxford University scientist, then manufactured for commercial use in 1904.

What does Thermos mean?

Thermos came from the Greek word "Therme," meaning heat. The two German glassblowers who developed the vacuum-flask for commercial use had a contest to name it; someone offered up Thermos, and thus, the Thermos Company and a household brand name was born.

I see Thermo everywhere. Are these Thermos products?

A lot of products bear names that are similar to Thermos, but aren't necessarily the Thermos brand. They do, however, use the fundamentals of Thermos technology to create high-quality products. Products like the Thermo cooker, Thermos gas grill use the thermoelectric technology for cooking, and ThermoSpa is a fantastic, spa-like hot tub. Some products, like Thermo Gain, use internal body thermogenics to help with muscle and body building.

How do I clean a Thermos?

Whether it's your child's Aladdin Thermos or your classic Stanley Thermos, cleaning a Thermos bottle is simple:

First, dump out any leftover beverages or food, and rinse with warm water.

If the inside of your container can be removed, do so.

Using a bottle brush, simply apply a small amount of soft detergent, add hot water, and brush the insides.

If you don't have a bottle brush, a soft sponge should work fine. Do not use stainless steel pads or strong scrubbing pads, as those may scratch the insides.

Rinse with warm water, then set aside to dry.

My Thermos bottle has tough stains and a strong smell. What can I do without scratching the bottle?

There are several different methods, using products found in your own kitchen. And these methods will not compromise the integrity of your Thermos parts.

Baking Soda: Put 3 tablespoons of baking soda in your Thermos, then fill with boiling or near-boiling water. Set aside for 30 minutes, then rinse. This should also help with any smell from leaving something in the container too long.

Fill the bottle with warm water, then put in four Alka-Seltzer tablets. After an hour, rinse. This should leave your container shining and clean.

One tablespoon of powdered dishwasher soap will also do the trick. Just add warm water, mix it up, then let it rest. Rinse and let it dry.

More information on thermoses