Are You Washing Your Reusable Water Bottle Enough?
Impressive insulation, colorful exteriors, and easy-to-sip straws have made drinking water more of a self-care ritual than an act of survival. But once you fill—and refill—your shiny, new water bottle or tumbler, what comes next? Unlike your dirty dishes after dinner, a reusable water bottle may look and taste as clean as it was at first sip, even after days of use. However, just because the water you sip looks clear doesn't mean the bottle is actually safe to drink from. According to a 2022 study from Water Filter Guru, the average reusable water bottle has 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Yes, you read that right.
"The inside of a water bottle is the perfect damp environment for germs to spread, especially near the places that come in contact with your mouth," says Jessica Ek, spokesperson for the American Cleaning Institute. Having second thoughts about that last sip? Keep reading for expert advice on how often you should wash your water bottle, how to clean your reusable bottle, and how not cleaning your water bottle can affect your health.
How Often Should You Clean Your Water Bottle?
In a perfect world, everyone would wash their water bottle after each use to prevent bacteria from festering. But between work, dishes, cooking, and even more dishes, a daily cleaning can feel daunting. In that case, a mid-week wash is the next best thing you can do to keep your vessel germ-free. "It's important to wash it at least every two to three days, with daily washing encouraged for bottles that are exposed to dirtier environments, such as the gym," says Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D, food scientist and author.
The material of your bottle may also effect how often you should wash it. When deciding between a plastic or metal reusable water bottle, microplastics aren't the only thing to consider. A stainless steel water bottle will keep your water cooler and cleaner, for the most part. "A surface that can get scratched more easily, like plastic, will tend to have more spots for germs to hide and be more prone to growing mold and bacteria than a material like stainless steel or glass," Ek says.
How to Clean Your Water Bottle
If the mention of mold has you running to your sink, take a second to read these tips on how to clean your water bottle properly. First, you'll want to check if your bottle is dishwasher safe, in which case you can stick it in with the rest of your dishes on a normal cycle. (Note: Most water bottles have at least one part that needs to be washed by hand.)
Try using a fragrance-free dish soap if you're stuck with lingering taste days after washing your bottle.
If you don't have a dishwasher, or if the material of your water bottle requires it to be hand-washed, don't worry. "Cleaning a water bottle need not be complicated; it simply requires soap and water, and a brush for the straw, if there is a straw," says Le.
Expert tips for washing your water bottle:
Fill the water bottle with water and dish soap.
Soak the other pieces in a bowl of soapy water.
Scrub the inside of the bottle and smaller pieces, like lids or straws, with a bottle brush.
Thoroughly rinse all the pieces and dry.
Ensure the bottle is bone dry before reassembling to prevent it from becoming musty.
What Happens If You Don't Wash Your Water Bottle Regularly?
Now that you know how to wash your water bottle, you might be wondering what can happen if you skip a cleaning or two. While your immune system can ward off many microbes that live on the surface of your reusable bottle, there's still a possibility of getting sick.
"Going long spans of time without washing only increases the number of germs both on the outside, and the inside, of the bottle," Le explains. "In fact, the inside can almost be worse, since it is a wet environment that encourages the formation of biofilms, which most people call 'slime.'" Additionally, complex mechanisms within your bottle, such as straws, can compound this buildup of bacteria.
"You may not even realize that upset stomach or allergy flare-up is because of your water bottle," says Ek. So, there you have it: If you want to lessen your chances of getting sick or "slime," start scrubbing!
Great Value Nylon Bristles Bottle Cleaning Brush
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap
4-Pack Metallic Straw Cleaner Brush
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