I have a one gallon bottle like a true homie, but the rubber stopper started developing these black spots and no matter how much i scrub it and soke it. Any suggestions how to clean it and anything I can do to prevent it from happening again?
What you've got there is black mold. I've never run into any that won't come off with hot water, soap, and scrubbing, but I've read in articles that vinegar works to help remove it. The best way to prevent it from happening again is simply to wash your bottle frequently and to let it air dry after washing it.
Finally death /j, I clean the bottle regularly but it still developed, it's like it's in the stopper idk. I'll see if I can get vinegar and report back. Would you happen to know any food safe seals I could coat it with to possibly prevent this in the future.
If it's black mold soak it in a very light bleach mixture (2 teaspoons for a gallon of water) for an extended time. Like 24 hours, and keep it submerged. Afterwards clean it thoroughly with water, if that doesn't get the mold out I would replace it.