This is the most effective method of cleaning water bottles; no it’s not soap water!

Let’s agree, our life is full of different types of reusable water bottles. From stainless steel and copper to glass and silicone, these bottles are an important part of our daily life. We carry them to our office, gym, playgrounds, hikes, and leave them on our desks for days. It is essential to keep our bottles clean properly as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and you wouldn’t even notice. These can develop mold and bad smell if not washed properly. Experts also say that bottles that aren’t cleaned regularly can also harbour bacteria including E. coli. So, what is the most effective and easy way to clean your water bottle regularly and maintain your hygiene.
Why cleaning matters

Every time we drink water from our regular bottles, let’s say we leave some saliva and bacteria. Over time, if the bottle is not emptied and soaked dry completely, it can create perfect conditions for biofilm. It is a slimy layer of microbes not good for our health. Your bottle might look clean, but bacteria and mould can grow invisibly on the mouthpiece, straw, lid, and gaskets. And that’s why it is important to clean the bottle on a daily basis.
How to do easily clean your bottles

It’s not a difficult task. All you need is some salt, vinegar and water. Empty the bottle, rinse it gently after each use. If you think warm water is alone enough to remove the surface residue, it’s not.

So put some salt, vinegar and warm water in the bottle. Shake it well. Leave for a few minutes. Then rinse thoroughly. Rinse 2-3 times more with normal water and your bottle is clean.
Is soapy water effective?

Many people use soapy water to clean the bottles. But it’s a fact that it leaves a weird soapy smell and taste for a long time. While it does clean the water bottle, the after effect remains for quite some time. To clean the bottle, you can add a few drops of mild dish soap and fill the bottle with warm water. Shake vigorously and scrub the interior and rinse thoroughly.
How to clean the lid and mouthpiece

It is essential to clean the lid and mouthpiece separately. These regions trap more bacteria than the body of the bottle. Scrub these with a brush and warm water. Don’t leave your bottle wet. Let it air dry completely with the lid off to ensure complete drying.

Vinegar for deep cleaning

For a deeper clean, sanitises the bottle to eliminate stubborn buildup and smell:

This is where vinegar helps as it is a natural disinfectant.

Just fill the bottle halfway with white vinegar and then add normal water.
Let your bottle soak for at least 15-20 minutes, this will remove tough odours.
Shake well, rinse thoroughly with warm water
Let air-dry

This method is most effective in killing bacteria. It also removes odours, especially when the bottle hasn’t been washed for a few days.

Baking Soda Scrub

You can also use baking soda to clean your bottles. All you need to do is add a tablespoon of baking soda with warm water. Shake and scrub the bottle well. Rinse thoroughly.

Now you know why daily cleaning is important for your regular bottles. It not only keeps a hygiene check but also keeps bad odours and bacteria away. So make this method part of your routine and you’re not just keeping your bottle fresh.