- Reusable water bottles, especially plastic bottles or those with small parts, can breed bacteria.
- Bacteria can better stick to plastic materials and multiply faster in certain environments.
- An expert recommends rinsing water bottles every day and cleaning every two to three days lower.
If a reusable water bottle is your point of contact for the moisture, you will probably fill it up several times a day after in the gym while you are concerned or between work calls. But how often do they actually stop to clean It? We asked a microbiologist and experts in food safety about washing your water bottle – you may have to do this more often than you think.
Why your water bottle becomes slimy
A look at a water bottle that was not washed in a few days cannot result in a visible reason for concern, but wipe the interior with your finger or a towel, and you will probably feel or see a slimy substance called Biofilm. “The formation of a biofilm is a multi -stage process and enables bacteria to anchor on the surface, where it often creates a sticky substrate that covers it” Kali knee.
Without proper laundry to free the water bottle surfaces of this biofilm, the bacteria continue to grow and can even loosen into the water, says Kniel. In other words, they could drink potentially harmful bacteria.
Kniel notes that scientific studies have shown that stainless steel surfaces tend to have less bacterial -loaded biofilms; Bacteria can grow on a series of surfaces, including glass, and form faster on plastic.
The environment and the liquid stored in water bottles can also play a role in the growth rate of bacteria. “The first thing I think of after water bottles and the growth of microorganisms is that microorganisms grow (and they are becoming) grow in a water bottle stored in the refrigerator that is stored faster, which is stored at room temperature,” says Kniel. “If the bottle contained a liquid with sugar such as juice or sports drink, the bacteria can grow faster compared to water.” Touching water bottles with dirty hands or sipping them while they are sick can also expose water bottles bacteria.
How to clean a reusable water bottle
Kniel recommends rinsing water bottles with hot water every day and washing them thoroughly every few days to reduce the bacterial accumulation – regardless of how often they have actually used it – how too long can black growth (also known as mold) lead. And Kniel says that this should be done more often for water bottles of small children and people with weak or impaired immune system due to an increased risk of illness.
Some water bottles are easier to clean than others, e.g. Others may have small openings or straws and caps that are more difficult to clean. In any case, knee is recommended to wash water bottles with hot soap water to remove bacteria and ensure that all surfaces are reached.
How to clean dishwashersproof water bottles
Step 1: Empty all content from water bottles.
Step 2: Brush every part, including lids, straws and even the silicone seals. Place the bottles with the open end on a high zone either on a lower or upper dishwasher, depending on the recommended cleaning instructions of your water bottles. Straws and small parts can be placed in utensil baskets.
Step 3: Guide a hot cycle with dishwasher soap.
Step 4: Let all parts dry thoroughly, either in the dishwasher or on a drought rim before replacing and storing parts.
How to clean reusable water bottles by hand
Step 1: Empty all content from water bottles and disassemble each part, including lids, straws and silicone seals. Rinse with hot water.
Step 2: Wash all the pieces with hot soap water.
Pro tip: Use a narrow brush to grab them in bottles, straws and small columns.
Step 3: Rinse with hot water until the water is clear and no bubbles are visible.
Step 4: Place all parts on the head on a clean drumper with proper air flow.
How to create reusable water bottles deep
Water bottles that have come into contact with particularly dirty surfaces that they have not been washed with sick or for some time may require deeper cleaning.
Step 1: Empty all content from water bottles.
Step 2: Brush every part, including lids, straws and seals.
Step 3: Fill bottles with 1: 1 ratio of water and vinegar and let it soak overnight. Small pieces can be bathed in a container filled with the same solution.
Step 4: Pour the solution out of the bottles and containers and then scrub each piece thoroughly with a clean brush.
Step 5: Rinse all parts with hot water until the water is clear and no bubbles are visible and there are no noticeable smells.
Step 6: Place all parts on the head on a clean drumper with proper air flow.
Pro tip: Invest in a drying shelf for water bottles to increase the air flow and prevent bottles and their additional parts from tipping over.
The end result
Reusable water bottles – especially those made of plastic or small parts, can be a breeding floor for bacteria. An expert in food safety recommends rinsing them out daily and performing deeper cleaning every two to three days. The bacterial biofilm can remove the cleaning of dishwasher or with hot soap water. Use a mixture of baking powder and vinegar for more stubborn structure. It is the key to ensure that all parts are dry before they are settled or saved.
