Staying hydrated is an essential task throughout the day. Although the amount of water needed to drink in a day varies between people, it is estimated that an average adult should drink between 2 and 3 liters, or in other words, 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
One of the most ecological ways to accomplish this task is to use reusable bottles, which allow them to be refilled without having to buy new ones, contributing to the care of the environment, personal well-being and the economy at home. However, these bottles also require regular cleaning that is not always carried out, at least in the correct way.
Like other reusable items such as containers, bottles need basic care to avoid infections and diseases caused by the accumulation of bacteria or other types of microorganisms. Thus, there are some useful methods to know how to wash and disinfect reusable water bottles.
How to wash and disinfect reusable water bottles
Washing reusable water bottles should be daily, as they can accumulate bacteria just like any other container. To avoid this, scrub it every one or two days in the same way as the rest of the containers and dishes.
An easy way to clean these items is to fill them halfway with hot water and add a couple of drops of dish soap. After that, cover the bottle and shake it vigorously for a few seconds in several directions.
Finally, empty the contents of the bottle and use a scouring sponge – or a brush if it is not possible to access it manually – and rub the entire inside of the bottle, paying attention to the edges, where the most dirt accumulates. Once the entire process is done, rinse with plenty of water making sure that there is no trace of soap left.
Clean bottle caps and spouts
Once the bottle has been cleaned, both inside and out, it is also necessary to sanitize the caps and mouthpieces, as these are areas where there can be a large accumulation of bacteria. Therefore, try to disassemble as many pieces as possible to access the most complicated areas easily.
To make sure they are really clean, you can soak them in hot soapy water for a few minutes before starting to scrub them thoroughly. Remember to rinse them with plenty of water to remove all traces of cleaning products before letting them dry.
Disinfect reusable bottles
In addition to daily cleaning, it is advisable to completely disinfect the bottles once every 10 to 15 days to ensure that they are completely free of mold or bacteria. For this there are several options, some of the most effective are:
- White cleaning vinegar: Fill the bottle half full with hot water and add a cup of white cleaning vinegar. After that, cover it and shake it vigorously, then let it rest for a quarter of an hour. Finally, rinse the entire area with plenty of warm water.
- Baking soda: Mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with water and add it to the inside of the bottle. Use a scouring sponge or a soft-bristle brush – or old toothbrush – to scrub the entire interior, making sure the paste goes through all areas, paying special attention to the corners. After that, rinse completely until all the excess mixture is removed.
Other useful tips for cleaning reusable bottles
Cleaning all parts of reusable bottles is not a very complex task, although it can get complicated if it is not carried out in the most optimal way. In the same way, it is important to follow several instructions that will allow the accessory to look like new after washing.
One of the main reasons for the formation of mold or bacteria is humidity. Therefore, let the bottle air dry completely once rinsed, and place it upside down so that all the water inside can drain. In this way it is also possible to avoid bad odors after cleaning due to excess humidity during drying.
On the other hand, it is important to always review the manufacturer’s instructions before starting cleaning. If you do not have one, find out about the materials that make up your reusable bottle, it is possible that some can be put in the dishwasher for much easier cleaning.
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