1. Prep the Fresh Water Hose for Sanitization
Start by prepping the fresh water hose to remove loose debris first. Disconnect the water hose from all faucets or tanks. Flush the water hose with clean, cold water for 1-2 minutes. This washes away dirt, dust, or leftover water residue. Lay the water hose on a clean, flat surface to keep it stable during sanitization. Check the water hose for cracks or leaks. If you spot damage, repair it first—sanitizer won’t work properly on a leaking water hose.
2. Mix a Safe Sanitizing Solution for the Water Hose
Use a mild, food-safe sanitizer to avoid contaminating the fresh water hose. The easiest option is a bleach-water mix: add 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach to 1 gallon of clean water. For a bleach-free alternative, mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. This works well for those sensitive to bleach. Stir the solution thoroughly to ensure the sanitizer is evenly distributed. Never use harsh chemicals on the water hose because they leave toxic residues.
3. Soak and Circulate the Sanitizer Through the Water Hose
Fill the fresh water hose with the sanitizing solution to ensure full coverage. Submerge the water hose in the solution if it’s short, or use a funnel to pour the solution into one end. Let the solution sit inside the water hose for 10-15 minutes. This kills bacteria, mold, or algae. For longer water hoses, lift one end slightly to circulate the solution and reach all inner areas. Don’t skip this soaking time. Because rushing it leaves harmful microbes behind.
4. Rinse and Dry the Water Hose Thoroughly
Rinse the fresh water hose completely to remove all sanitizer residue. Connect one end of the water hose to a clean faucet and run cold water through it for 2-3 minutes. Hold the other end over a bucket to collect the rinsed water. Then check for any bleach or vinegar smell. If you still detect a scent, rinse the water hose for another minute. After rinsing, hang the water hose vertically on a hook to dry fully. Because moisture can reintroduce mold. Once dry, the water hose is safe to use for fresh water tasks like filling RV tanks or watering edible plants.