How to clean a reusable water bottle

Using a reusable water bottle is great for all reasons. You’re reducing your contribution to global waste and your carbon footprint. In the US, landfills are overflowing with 2 million tonnes of disposable water bottles. Although reusable bottles are more environmentally friendly and handy, they might not be the easiest to clean.

It is important to maintain the cleanliness of your water bottle because moist areas are ideal homes for bacteria. It can become pretty dirty and gross if you don’t wash and disinfect your bottle regularly. Below are some ways to keep your bottle clean.

Using warm water and soap.

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This is pretty much the simplest way to wash your bottle. Fill your bottle to a quarter with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Cover the top and shake vigorously before rinsing it and letting it dry overnight.

Dishwasher

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Don’t assume that all reusable water bottles are dishwasher safe. Check for the dishwasher safe symbol before using so as not to risk damaging your bottle. If your bottle has different parts, make sure every part is cleaned.

Vinegar

If water and soap aren’t enough, fill 1/5 of your bottle with white vinegar and the rest with water. Leave it to sit overnight and rinse it out thoroughly the next morning.

Some side notes:

If you don’t clean your bottle regularly, it can become discoloured or develop a slight smell. Storing your bottle in a wet area can speed up this process. Always store your bottle in a dry place and air dry the insides after washing. If your bottle has a smell, try adding a teaspoon of bleach, a teaspoon of baking soda and water. Leave it to sit and wash the next morning. Remember to let it air dry.

Those plastic bottles from convenient stores aren’t meant for repeated usage. Washing and reusing it continuously can cause a breakdown of the plastic, making it a health risk.