You Are Definitely Not Washing Your Reusable Water Bottle Enough
Reusable water bottles are great for so many reasons. They help us make sure we're hydrated, they're better for the planet, and let's face it, they can also be super cute! But chances are we're all a bit guilty of reusing those water bottles more times than we should without washing them.
But how should you really be washing your water bottle and should we be doing it more often because of the COVID-19 pandemic? We consulted with experts to find out how to keep yourself healthy and hydrated and your favorite bottle squeaky clean.
First off, some context: When we asked Janilyn Hutchings, a certified food safety professional at StateFoodSafety, about water bottle safety, she stressed that "reusable water bottles must be cleaned and sanitized regularly to kill any pathogens that may have grown" and cited a 2002 study published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health which confirmed that pathogens can grow to unhealthy levels in unwashed water bottles. Subsequent studies have since found similar results.
How should you be washing your water bottle?
Generally, just plain old soap and warm water should be enough to make sure your bottle is squeaky clean. To be more specific, Hutchings pointed us to recommendations by the University of Wisconsin, which recommends that you wash your bottle with soap and warm water, then rinse it with fresh water.
They also recommend that you leave the water bottle in the sink overnight to dry completely, or that you store it in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth. You should also be sanitizing your water bottle. The easiest way to do this is by running the bottle through the dishwasher but you should always make sure the bottle is dishwasher-safe before putting it in the dishwasher. If it isn't, or if you don't have a dishwasher, you can use a sanitizing solution.
If your water bottle has an odor, you can also make a solution by mixing a 50/50 baking soda and water solution, pouring it in your water bottle and leaving to soak for 10 minutes, Leanne Stapf, COO of The Cleaning Authority, told Delish. "You can even use a specific bottle brush to scrub the inside of the bottle. You can buy these on Amazon for less than $10," Stapf said.
Of course your care may vary depending on your type of water bottle, but these guidelines are generally a good baseline. Always consult the manufacturer for additional instructions.
How often should you be cleaning it?
Both Stapf and Hutchings recommended washing your water bottle once a day. As far as sanitizing goes, experts recommend this at least once a week, but you can do it more often if you've been sick or you've taken your bottle outside.
This frequency doesn't necessarily have to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Stapf stressed that people should still be diligent about cleaning their water bottles often, even if they don't look dirty.
"Many people go weeks without washing their water bottles because they don’t look dirty, but looks can be deceiving," she said: "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. During the COVID pandemic (and always!), we recommend frequent washing to prevent bacteria and germs."
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