How to Properly Clean a Reusable Bottle and Why It Is Important

Switching to a reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly and convenient choice. You can choose the perfect size, color, and material of the container. However, if the bottle starts to emit an unpleasant smell and develops a film, it is a signal that it needs to be cleaned. In this article, we will explain how to do this properly.

To keep the water in the bottle fresh, wash it daily. If your bottle has a screw cap, both parts of the container can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand using detergent. When washing by hand, thoroughly clean all parts of the bottle with a brush or sponge. Moisture can promote the formation of slimy deposits that need to be rinsed off carefully.

After washing, be sure to dry the bottle completely, as a damp environment encourages the growth of microbes. If you have a bottle with a pull-top lid or a straw lid, the cleaning process becomes more complicated. In this case, it is recommended to purchase small brushes that can help clean hard-to-reach places inside.

Why is it important to wash the bottle? In conditions of high humidity, golden staphylococcus, E. coli, as well as fungi and mold can develop in it, which can cause poisoning and other health problems.

If the bottle continues to smell musty after washing, it needs to be disinfected. There are several effective methods:

Recipe with vinegar. Mix one cup of water with 6 tablespoons of vinegar, 3 teaspoons of citric acid, half a cup of cornstarch, and ¾ tablespoon of soap flakes. Heat over a fire until the soap is completely dissolved, cool, and pour into a dispenser container. Spray the bottle inside and out, leave for 10 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse with a brush or sponge.

Recipe with baking soda. Pour one liter of water into a pot and add 5 teaspoons of baking soda. Bring to a boil, let it cool slightly, and pour it into the bottle. Close and rinse well, then rinse with clean water.

Hydrogen peroxide. For disinfection, mix 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid. Apply the mixture to the entire inner surface of the container, paying special attention to the neck and cap. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Lemon juice. The acidic juice effectively eliminates unpleasant odors, and to enhance the effect, it can be mixed with baking soda. Note that the baking soda will foam up significantly, so perform the cleaning over the sink. Add baking soda to the bottle and pour in lemon juice. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.

Reusable bottles, being in constant contact with water, become breeding grounds for bacteria. Therefore, disinfection should be performed with every wash, especially if the bottle is used by multiple people. If you are the only one using it, disinfection can be done at your discretion, but no less than once every two weeks.

This way, you can extend the lifespan of the bottle and avoid health issues.