Know How To Properly Clean And Maintain Your Water Bottle For Longevity

Are you environmentally friendly and like to always have a reusable water bottle with you? Not only is this an eco-friendly habit that reduces dependency on plastic, but also a great way to keep yourself hydrated. You also end up saving a few bucks every time by not buying a new bottle every now and then. However, just like any item you use daily, your water bottles can get dirty over time. This means not just the dust you see on the outside but also microbes not visible to the naked eye. In addition to this, dirty bottles can become a hosting environment for mould and bad odours. It is essential for your well-being that you clean your bottles of dust, grime, and germs often. If you have questions about how to properly clean your water bottles for the water to stay fresh, how often to clean it, what supplies you need, etc., then this guide is for you. Keep reading for a healthy water-drinking experience!

How Frequently Should You Clean Water Bottles?

Experts recommend that you clean your water bottles after every use. But imagine the hassle of doing that, especially because you may not have all the required tools all the time or simply because of a time crunch. In such cases, it is okay to wash them twice every day, once in the morning before you start filling them up and once at night once you are done using them for the day.

Moreover, on top of cleaning the bottles at least once a day, you should also sanitise them a minimum of once a week or two for a deep clean. Since for most people, regular cleaning typically includes soap and hot water, it is never enough to eliminate germs. Sanitising with hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach helps kill off bacteria that may be left behind despite regular cleaning.

It is important to note that many people make the mistake of washing and reusing single-use bottles. While the intention may be to reuse plastic bottles for a healthier environment, single-use bottles are not designed to be used again and again. Single-use bottles are not made to stay in shape structurally during the cleaning process. Upon washing, their plastic may break down gradually, making the chemicals seep into the water.

Supplies You Need for Cleaning Water Bottles

If you are looking to clean your bottles, you will need to gather a few handy supplies. Gathering the right tools beforehand will make the cleaning process smooth and hassle-free. With the right cleaning kit, you not only maintain the cleanliness of the bottle but also help its longevity and appearance, preventing stains and odours from developing.

i) Cleaning Solution

Your choice of bottle cleaning solution depends on the bottle’s material. For instance, bottles made of plastic can handle heavy-duty solutions, while those made of stainless steel or glass will require gentle cleansers.

  • Dish soap: Common household item and an effective solution for many bottles.
  • Vinegar: Natural disinfectant that easily helps remove bad odours.
  • Baking soda: A gentle cleanser effective for tough stains.

ii) Bottle Brush

For you to clean the water bottles effectively, you will also need a good quality bottle brush. It easily reaches into the corners that you may miss with soap and water, eliminating stubborn deposits and microbes. The bottle brush must be long enough to cover all areas in the bottle and should have flexible and soft bristles to avoid any scratches.

How to Clean Water Bottles?

Now that you have gathered all the essential supplies, you can follow this cleaning procedure for cleaning your water bottle:

1.  Rinse Before Each Use

Before you go into the entire process of cleaning the water bottles, begin with a simple, crucial step: rinsing the bottle before use. This quick act prevents leftover water from sitting and mixing with newly added content. During rising, allow the warm water to flow thoroughly within the bottle, from bottom to top, so that any visible buildup is removed.

2.  Hand Wash with Dish Soap

When cleaning the water bottle, after the light rinse, apply a tiny amount of dish soap. Fill the vessel midway with mildly warm water, put on the cap, and shake the bottle vigorously. This removes stains and residue from the inside of the bottle.

Use a fragrance-free, mild dish soap since strong fragrances can stay in your bottle after cleaning. Do not leave the soapy water in your bottle for too long. While the dish soap helps remove grime, lengthy soaks can leave behind a soapy taste in the bottle even long after rinsing. Rinse thoroughly, twice or thrice if required, to get rid of any soapy taste.

After the shaking process with soap water, rinse the water bottle thoroughly with warm water and let it air dry without the cap.

3. Use a Bottle Brush for Tough Stains

Does your water bottle have stubborn stains you want to get rid of? In such cases, a bottle brush can come in remarkably handy to strip away those stains. This cleaning essential reaches where your hands and dishcloths cannot, cleaning every nook and cranny. Remember, you must keep rotating the bottle brush for optimal results.

4. Sanitise with Boiling Water or Vinegar

Use boiling water and vinegar to improve the cleanliness level of your water bottle. The high temperature kills off germs and removes stubborn residues. Vinegar is packed with acetic acid, which proves to be beneficial in eliminating odours and removing stubborn stains from your bottle. The boiling water method may not be helpful for plastic bottles in the long run but will be ideal for glass bottles.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your water bottle not only keeps the vessel germ-free but also prolongs its lifespan. Make sure you have the essential supplies, and follow the entire cleaning process thoroughly for cleaner bottles. Seamlessly remove dirt, grime, bacteria, and unpleasant odours and also increase the longevity of the bottles. Do not forget to clean the bottles frequently to keep the water fresh.