How to Clean Reusable Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles are a great way to stay hydrated while reducing your environmental impact. However over time, the moisture can cause germs and mold to build up. Drinking from moldy bottles may cause you to get sick, get an allergic reaction or develop respiratory problems. Here’s how to keep your water bottle clean and how often you should be doing it.

Clean after every use
Open the lid and bottle and run it through the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher safe. If not, fill it with dish soap and warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, scrub inside the bottle and the lid with a bottle brush. Rinse and air dry.

Sanitize once a week
It’s a good idea to give your water bottle a deep cleaning to get any germs and mold that dish soap can’t clean. After cleaning it normally, mix water and 1 teaspoon of bleach for every quart of water your bottle can hold. Cover the bottle tight and shake well. Let it soak for at least 30 seconds, then rinse well and air dry.

Nobody wants to drink out of a dirty or smelly water bottle—you’ll be more inclined to use it when it’s clean and sanitized. And drinking more water supports your body’s essential functions, like your immune system and metabolism.