How to clean a water bottle?

Stick to just water in your bottles to lessen bacterial growth. Energy drinks, tea, or other powders and add-ins will only increase the likelihood of bacterial growth. Keep your water bottles out of spots where they might heat up. “Don’t leave your water bottle inside your car and then drink from it,” says Fukuta. “Warm temperatures and time accelerate the growth of germs.” Rinse it after every day’s use, recommends Behnke. Give it a good washing once a week, preferably by hand and with a special bottle brush. When finished, leave it upside down on a drying rack to dry completely—don’t put your bottles away wet. Avoid sharing water bottles with anyone else. “If it’s your saliva and just water, it’s not a big deal,” says Behnke. “But if you share, you’re introducing other contaminants.”

How often to clean a water bottle?

Rinse it out each day and give it a thorough wash with soap at least once a week.

LifestyleNutrition

Your reusable water bottle may be a breeding ground for strep and fecal bacteria. Here’s how to keep it clean

By Amanda Loudin

Young hiker drinking from reusable water bottle