Why Ignoring Your Water Bottle Hygiene Could Harm Your Health

When was the last time you cleaned your reusable water bottle? Are you aware of how filthy your must-have accessory would be? From excessive bacteria growth, infesting mold and mildew, increased allergens, and more, your reusable water bottle could be the answer to your many health questions. Questions like “Why is my throat always so sore?” or “Why are my teeth giving me so many hassles lately?” So, while drinking your water is good and optimal for your best health, drinking bacteria is not wise. Today we’re taking a closer look at why ignoring your water bottles’ hygiene could harm your health. Ensure you read until the end because we’re also sharing details like how often you should wash it and the best way to do it. Ready? Let’s go! (P.S. don’t worry, it’s not complicated!)

The Number of Bacteria in Your Water Bottle Would Shock You

It’s so weird to think that once we finish eating a meal, we clear our dishes, wash them, and then wash our hands. It’s been ingrained in us, and most of us do it without a second thought. However, for some reason, most of us don’t do the same with our water bottles, even though they come with us everywhere. Can you name a more trustworthy sidekick than your handy, dandy water bottle? It should get similar treatment to dirty dishes. 

Using a reusable water bottle can save approximately 156 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills each year, so the benefits of them are massive. But we need to acknowledge that they are a breeding ground for bacteria, and the bacteria may be harming your health more than you initially thought. Another study found that reusable water bottles had 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat and that they’re 14 times dirtier than pet bowls. They’re very dirty, and it’s essential to clean them thoroughly and regularly.

The Smell and Taste of the Water

If your reusable water bottle isn’t being cleaned, then it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When bacteria are growing and multiplying, they emit metabolic byproducts. These byproducts can make water taste and smell quite foul. A biofilm also forms on the inside of the reusable water bottle and makes it a perfect place for germs to sit in and stay for a long time.

The Mold and Mildew Inside the Bottle

You might think that your water bottle is safe from mold and mildew because you only use it for freshwater, but that’s just not the case. Have you ever removed your lid or straw and noticed a buildup of black? This is called Stachybotrys Chartarum, or black mold, and it’s one of the most toxic species of mold ever. It also gives a rustic, earthy odour, which can affect the water.

The Longterm Health Risks

Plastic has a rougher surface than glass or stainless steel, so there’s more room for bacteria to sneak into and hide. In addition, plastic also absorbs odor. Both of these can give you symptoms that are similar to those of food poisoning. Reusable water bottles can be a germ and bacteria breeding ground, especially with the mouthpiece going into and out of your mouth. Bacteria quickly travel into and out of the water bottle and can significantly contribute to the growth of more germs.

Potential Longterm Health Risks:

• Chronic bacterial infections
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Respiratory problems
• Kidney damage
• Dental issues
• Chronic fatigue

The buildup of bacteria and germs greatly contributes to potential long-term health concerns. Being exposed to bacteria can cause recurring bacteria infections, symptoms that resemble those of seasonal allergies, and even kidney and dental problems. Water acts as a natural detoxifier and doesn’t do that well if it’s flooded with mould and gross stuff. 

Ineffective Cleaning Habits

One might wonder that if you’re not cleaning your water bottle well, or ever, then what else aren’t you cleaning? It could be a sign that you don’t have effective cleaning skills or that you’re cleaning isn’t happening often enough and instead mould, grime, dust, and dirt are building up. If you’re not cleaning other things exactly how you’re not cleaning your reusable water bottle, you can be putting yourself at risk of many other health complications, both long-term and short-term. 

The Best Way to Clean Your Reusable Water Bottle

Now, we’re going to share a really simple way to keep your reusable water bottle clean and germ-free. You begin by taking apart all the pieces of the water bottle. For example, the lid, the straw, unscrew the lid, etc. Rinse all the pieces with warm water to remove any residue. Then make a cleaning solution with mild dish soap and warm water and soak the water bottle and pieces. After 5 minutes of soaking, use a bottle scrubber to scrub the inside of the water bottle. Make sure to really zone in on the cracks and crevices, as this is often where germs hide. Use a smaller scrub brush to go through the straw and drinking spout a well. Then rinse. Voila!

This simple washing method can be done a few times a week if you’re someone who uses a water bottle all the time. Approximately once per week, you should sanitize it to kill off any germs that might be starting to build up. But don’t worry! This part is just as simple as cleaning it. All you have to do is soak the bottle and its parts in a warm water and vinegar mixture. (1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water.) Allow it to soak for thirty minutes, then rinse and air dry.

In the End

In the end, what matters is health and wellness. Nothing in life really means anything if you don’t have your health to fall back on. That’s why cleaning your water bottle routinely and well is absolutely essential. It helps to keep the bad bacteria away and keep the smell and taste pure. Having bacteria in your reusable water bottle can pose many long-term issues, from having a gross water bottle to the water tasting and smelling musky and even experiencing symptoms that are similar to those when you have food poisoning. Make sure to wash your water bottle regularly to avoid gross messes in your bottle and feeling yucky!