Your water bottle can be a host for bacteria, build-up, and even mold. With so many varieties of reusable water bottles, it can be hard to know how to clean them. Fear not: Our handy guide on how to clean a water bottle will keep your conscience and your on-the-go drink container clean.
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Why You Should Wash Your Reusable Water Bottle
According to experts at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), “water bottles provide a moist, often dark environment in which bacteria, mold or mildew can thrive.” The part that comes into contact with your mouth is the main bacteria magnet, which introduces more organic matter into your water bottle, however, there is no need to throw away your neglected water bottle, just give it a deep clean using one of the following methods, and then repeat the process periodically.
4 Ways to Wash a Reusable Water Bottle
1. Dishwasher
If your water bottle is dishwasher safe, you’re in luck. Just break it down into its components (if applicable) and throw it in the dishwasher. It will come out very clean and thoroughly sanitized. Simple peas.
2. Soap and water
Not sure your water bottle will hold up in the dishwasher? ACI’s cleaning experts say it’s best not to take chances. Fortunately, that’s no big deal, as it’s easy to wash water bottles by hand. To get your water bottle clean in a good way, just use a bottle brush, scrub with dish soap and hot water (the hotter the better), and be extra careful with the bristles of the brush to reach all the nooks and crannies and gaps. If your water bottle has a straw function, buy a set of these small cleaning brushes to thoroughly clean masks and straws.
3. Baking soda
While a thorough wash with soap and water may keep your water bottle fresh and clean, in some cases stubborn odors may stick around. Good news: You can drive the ghost of last week’s coffee out of your water bottle with a pinch of sodium bicarbonate (i.e. baking soda). To clean and deodorize your water bottle with baking soda says Greens Steel’s stainless steel water bottle supplier, all you need to do is add a teaspoon of the substance to your water bottle and fill it with hot water for the rest of the process. Full. Stir to dissolve the baking soda and let the water bottle sit overnight. After soaking, give your water bottle a good rinse and it’s ready to use.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is another natural cleaning product you might hang around your kitchen that can help you clean your water bottle. According to Greens Steel employees, this method involves filling a water bottle with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Then, shake the water bottle and rinse the solution around before soaking it overnight—a quick rinse the next morning will leave your water bottle looking new.
How to Clean Water Bottle Lids and Different Types
The new water bottle comes with all the bells and whistles, including a reusable straw, BPA-free materials, an insulated double-walled interior, and more. However, these features present special cleaning issues. Here’s how to clean certain types of water bottles when traditional cleaning techniques aren’t enough.
How to Clean a Water Bottle with a Bite Valve
The lid of the water bottle has a built-in straw and soft plastic bite valve, perfect for eliminating spills during training. However, this handy feature can also harbor some serious bacteria and mold. According to CamelBak, you should remove the soft plastic bite valve from the cap before cleaning it. Put the individual parts of the bottle in the dishwasher and cycle once. Use a cotton swab or straw brush with warm soapy water to get inside the valve. After cleaning, allow drying thoroughly before reassembling.
How to Clean a Glass with a Straw
Most glasses can be cleaned in the dishwasher or using the water bottle cleaning methods listed above. However, reusable straws require special care. We recommend purchasing a set of straw brushes. When you’re ready to clean the cup straw, rinse with warm water, put a small amount of dish soap on the straw brush, and start wiping the inside and outside. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can add baking soda, which acts as an abrasive.
How to Clean a Travel Mug
Travel mugs are often used for hot beverages, but some water bottle companies use the same flip top. If you plan to wash your travel mugs in the dishwasher, be sure to use the top rack. However, if it’s insulated, you’ll want to hand wash it. Clean the lid by removing the rubber seal around the base and scrubbing with warm soapy water. Be sure to figure out every nook and cranny of the lid, as it can be a hot spot for mold.
Conclusion
Experts say you really should wash your water bottle after every use, and to ensure you’re drinking in a safe, clean container, follow our method to wash your reusable water bottles carefully.
