How do you prepare a canteen for disinfection with calcium hypochlorite?

Preparing a canteen for disinfection with calcium hypochlorite involves ensuring that it holds the right amount of solution while allowing for effective sanitization. Leaving an air space of an inch below the neck is crucial for two reasons. First, this air space allows for the proper agitation of the disinfectant within the canteen, which is important for ensuring that the disinfectant can contact all surfaces. Second, it prevents overflow and potential mess when shaking or moving the canteen, which could dilute the disinfectant effectiveness if water spills over.

When preparing for disinfection, it is not necessary to fill the canteen completely with water, as this would prevent the proper function of the disinfectant. Adding detergent to the water is also not appropriate in this context because it may interfere with the activity of calcium hypochlorite. Using only bottled water is not relevant here; the emphasis is on the appropriate preparation for disinfection rather than the source of water. Therefore, leaving an air space below the neck ensures the canteen is optimally prepared for effective disinfection.