Refilling Bottles

[Marvin]

Does anyone here refill their used bottles?  My budget is low and cokes as Sam's are expensive. 
If so how do you clean / sanitize them? 
I have a capper I just am not sure about the dishwasher getting them clean.

Any help or links appreciated,

Marvin

[Kilroy]

Links from this board:
http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,5786.0/

http://soda-machines.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,29/topic,5941.0/

There were several other threads on filling bottles, search for "home bottling or  "Refilling Bottles"

I have friends who  make their own beer, and  wash  the bottles using the bottom rack of the dishwasher (when the wife isn't home)  The bottles are placed upside down, in the rack posts,  allowing space between them   so they don't smack together.

Several people here refill bottles, and I'm sure they will chime in with  suggestions and  tips.

[coke_and_stuff]

a good way to sanitize I guess would be boiling the bottles like you would for a Baby???

Joey

[mznb1u]

In addition to being a soda machine collector, I am also a home brewer.  A couple items that you will need to pick up from your local home-brewing supply store to bottle your own Coke are:

1.  Bottle Washer for your sink--see link for example

http://www.mountainhomebrew.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2031

2.  Racking tube and siphon hose--see link for example

http://www.mountainhomebrew.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2571

3.  Spring-Tip Bottle filling tube--see link for example

http://www.mountainhomebrew.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3130

4.  Bottle capper--the hand held models work fine--see link for example

http://www.mountainhomebrew.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2616

Using the racking tube and filling tube to transfer the Coke from a 2 litre to an 8 oz. bottle should minimize the disruption of the Coke and will help to maintain some of the carbonation.

The best way that I have found to clean the bottles is using the bottle washer and then running the bottles through the dishwasher on high heat.  Place the bottles on the posts on the bottom rack.  Be careful when they are done because they will be RED HOT!  The best way to sanitize the bottles is to fill the laundry tub with bleach water and soak them in the tub.  You can then rinse them with the bottle washer and place them back in the dishwasher racks to dry while you get ready to bottle.

You can also get red, silver and green caps to help to tell the Coke from the Diet Coke and Sprite.

Have fun!
 
Tim