Reusable water bottles have become increasingly popular over the last decade. With more stylish options on the market, a focus on health and wellness, and a sustained concern for single-use plastics, more people are making the switch to reusable water bottles.
The only inconvenient part of owning a reusable water bottle is cleaning it. But a cleaner Earth is worth the effort! Check out these easy tips for water bottle cleaning.
How to Clean a Water Bottle
First, check if your water bottle is dishwasher-safe. If it is, run it through a dishwasher cycle once a day! But do also hand-wash it occasionally; the manual scrubbing action will prevent the buildup of residue inside the bottle.
When it’s time to clean your dishwasher-safe or not-dishwasher-safe water bottle by hand, there are three main methods to choose from:
- Baking soda: To clean a water bottle with baking soda, mix a 50-50 solution of baking soda and water and pour it into your water bottle. Let it soak for 10 minutes, then scrub it out with a brush or sponge, or vigorously shake it with the lid on. Done? Hold it under the tap to rinse it out.
- Vinegar: To clean a water bottle with vinegar, fill the bottle with 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of water. Shake it and let it soak overnight. The next morning, scrub it with a brush or sponge, and shake it once more. Then rinse it out.
- Dish soap: Fill your bottle with hot water, add a few drops of dish soap, and shake it. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Then scrub the inside and rinse it out.
Remember to wash the lid and straw, too! For the lid, use a toothbrush or a cotton swab with dish soap to access those hard-to-reach places. To clean the water bottle straw, use a straw cleaner brush with hot water and dish soap first. If the lid and straw are both dishwasher-safe, carefully place them in the dishwasher utensil rack vertically so they get clean and can drain properly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Water Bottle?
Even if you’re only putting water in your reusable bottle, it’s important to clean it once a day. Otherwise, bacteria, dirt, and mold can build up over time. And we’re not the only ones who think so.
According to food safety experts at Delish, "Many people go weeks without washing their water bottles because they don’t look dirty, but looks can be deceiving. Bacteria grows in dark, moist environments, which makes the inside of a bottle the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you notice a slimy film or a bad smell, it’s time to clean your bottle. We recommend frequent washing to prevent bacteria and germs.”
Daily water bottle cleaning is the best policy.
Take More Chores Off Your To-Do List
When you’re busy, it can be hard to find the time to frequently clean your water bottle, let alone clean your entire house. The professionals at The Cleaning Authority are here to help with recurring or one-time cleans! Call us at 888-658-0659 or request a free estimate online.