Imagine this. You are gobbling down your scrumptious chicken rice with copious amounts of the indispensable garlic chilli sauce and you take a swig of water from your water bottle. At the end of the day, like any other days, you rinse your water bottle and leave it to dry. We can only imagine the kind of party the germs and bacteria must be having in your water bottle while you were asleep.

Do you know your reusable water bottle can contain twice as many germs as the kitchen sink, and four times the amount of bacteria as a computer mouse? 

Keeping a water bottle clean is essential to maintain good hygiene and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. However, many people do not know how to clean their water bottles properly. 

Here are some tips on how to clean your water bottle correctly.

1. Choose the right water bottle

The first step to keeping your water bottle clean is to choose the right one. Look for water bottles made of materials like stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic. These materials are easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria than other materials.

Stainless steel tumblers are less likely to harbour bacteria. Image credit: Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash

2. Wash your water bottle after each use

After using your water bottle, rinse it with warm water and dish soap. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of the bottle thoroughly. Rinse it again with warm water to remove any remaining soap.

3. Use vinegar or baking soda

If your water bottle has a strong odour or stains, use vinegar or baking soda to clean it. Fill the bottle with equal parts water and vinegar or water and baking soda and let it sit overnight. Rinse the bottle thoroughly with warm water in the morning.

4. Don't use abrasive cleaners

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals to clean your water bottle. These can damage the bottle's surface and leave harmful chemicals behind.

5. Dry your water bottle properly

Make sure to dry your water bottle completely after washing it. Use a clean towel or air dry it upside down to prevent moisture from collecting inside.

6. Clean the parts that come into contact with saliva properly

Most water bottle openings have grooves for the lids to tighten against. These parts tend to harbour the most bacteria since they come into contact with your saliva and whatever you have been eating. Dab a soft sponge with some soap and clean the grooves thoroughly. Rinse with warm water.

Cleaning our bottles daily should be a no brainer. After all our bottle is probably the one thing our lip comes into contact with the most in any given day. 

Hooked onto cleaning? Read our guide below on how you can clean your house with a budget.

How to Clean Your House Fast - 5 Budget-Friendly Cleaning Tips

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Cover image courtesy of Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash.