Possibly one of the biggest arguments against opting for reusable water bottles is that they’re a nesting bed for germs and bacteria. Without a proper clean, they can be infested with all kinds of yuck, but so can anything that isn't cleaned frequently.
Bacteria Loves Your Reusable Water Bottle
You may not wash your reusable water bottle as often as you wash your other dishes because you think, only water goes in so it’s fine, right?
According to a Food Network article, bacteria from backwash, sweat, and even E. coli can end up in your reusable water bottle if not properly looked after. All the water residue and tiny crevices are perfect places for bacteria to fester. But really, anything interacting with your hands and mouth regularly are going to be more susceptible to germs.
To combat the gross reality of a reusable water bottle, choose one that has a smaller chance of bacteria build-up in the first place.
A simple rule of thumb is to opt for a water bottle that makes it easy to get inside and clean. Bottles with small openings are practically asking for bacteria to congregate as it's hard to fully clean the interior of the bottle.
Additionally, a bottle that requires you to touch whatever is going into your mouth means all the germs from your hands are going right where you don’t want them. All KOR water bottles feature lids that cover the spout when not in use, unlike other bottles that require you to pull out a mouthpiece with your fingers or slide a cover out of the way.
But even more importantly, you must wash your reusable water bottle. And you should do it daily.
Wash Your Reusable Water Bottle Every Day
If you’re like the rest of us, you’re doing dishes every day (or really, multiple times a day) anyway. So, all you have to do is just chuck in your water bottle along with everything else. There’s really nothing fancy about it. Use dish soap, warm water, and if you want that extra clean, a stiff bristled sponge can really get your reusable water bottle bacteria free.
Do your best to avoid leaving your reusable water bottle in your dirty gym bag or on the floor of your car. And don’t bring it with you to the bathroom. In simple terms, your bottle should be treated just like anything else you would put in or around your mouth, since, in fact, it will be going in or around your mouth.
All KOR water bottles are dishwasher safe so you don’t even have the excuse that you’re too lazy for a hand washing session. Giving it a run through the dishwasher is probably your best chance of a solid clean and if you do it every day, you won’t have to worry about bacteria in your bottle ever again.
I didn’t know I needed a reusable water bottle but now I am getting one I better not lose
it or I won’t be saving any money on the recyclable bottles I have been buying. Thanks for the baking soda rinse idea.
Great article — thanks. I have always felt that the reusable water bottles are icky. I have to try yours.
I found using baking soda rinse cleans the bottle & makes it fresh smelling.
I find a teaspoon of raspberry vodka and a good shake before bed seems to do the trick. The water tastes better too. (I do remove the vodka in the morning before refilling. lol)