That trusty reusable water bottle you carry with you keeps you healthy and hydrated, but only if it’s clean. And let's face it: Most of us don’t think to clean out our water bottles. More often than not, we take that last sip, refill it, and sip some more—on repeat.
Whether your water bottle is stainless steel, plastic, or made from another hard material, it’s important to sanitize it at the end of each day. “Since it’s a moist environment, it's possible for bacteria to set up shop and thrive, potentially leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” says Robert Glatter, MD, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Northwell Health and attending emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital.
RELATED: 12 Reasons Why Dehydration Is Bad for Your Body
Give the cap, as well as the straw if your bottle has one, a good cleansing too. “Bacteria such as E. coli that lead to gastroenteritis and food poisoning and even molds could colonize this area,” he says. You can even take a step further and scrub this area with a special bottle brush or toothbrush for a real deep clean. Or just get in the habit of using one of these simple and easy methods. Find one that works for you and aim for aim for consistency.
RELATED: 12 Germs That Cause Food Poisoning
The dishwasher
Many types of water bottles are dishwasher safe, but check that it says so on the bottle first. “Place bottle and top in the top rack, making sure that the bottle does not interfere with the spray arms if your model has them at the top,” says Donna Smallin Kuper, IICRC-certified house cleaning technician and author of Cleaning Plain & Simple. Then, run the dishwasher with the hottest water settings and a heated dry cycle, which will kill germs. It should be totally dry before you reuse it; moisture can be a breeding ground for bugs.
Soap and water
Washing by hand with a sudsy mix of dishwashing liquid and hot water is a safe and effective cleaning method, Kuper says. Be sure to wash and dry off with a clean cloth (or paper towel) to avoid reintroducing any bacteria or other harmful bugs. Swish the soapy water through the entire bottle, same way as you'd wash out a coffee cup or other used glass or mug, and make sure you get rid of any gunky buildup on the bottom or by the cap area. Then rinse with water to remove any soap residue before drying.
RELATED: 7 Best Water Bottles Health's Editors Swear By
Vinegar
That bottle of vinegar in your pantry can also disinfect your water bottle. “You can also use dilute vinegar, which helps to kill most bacteria (not viruses though), while also serving as a drying agent,” says Dr. Glatter. “Fill half of the bottle with white vinegar, the other half with water,” he says. (Make sure you use about ¼ cup of vinegar.) Close the bottle and let is swish around before leaving it to soak…
Is going out for a run, getting into a downward dog, or doing burpees, jumping jacks, and box jumps a pain in the chest? That uncomfortable bouncing is a sign that your sports bra is not supportive enough—something that can not only hold you back during your workout, but can also be bad for your boobs.
D5 Creation