Sustainable Living: Here’s The Proper Way To Clean Your Reusable Water Bottle

Switching to reusable water bottles is a laudable feat; although it may appear infinitesimal, this choice is impactful and helps protect the environment by reducing contamination from plastic waste. But, keep it in mind that caring for your reusable bottles is crucial as they constantly come into contact with dirt and can harbor harmful organisms.

Here are simple steps to giving your reusable water bottle a proper wash by hand:

1: Get The Right Tools

Sustainable bottles are typically designed to have a small opening at the top to make drinking easy. However, this opening is too small so you'll need special tools like a bottle brush that will help you reach all the sides and corners of the bottle easily

For a simple wash, you'll also need dish soap and water but for deep cleaning, you'll need vinegar too.

2: Wash 

Start by emptying your reusable bottle. Add some dish soap and warm water and get to washing using your bottle brush. Make sure to clean the deepest corners of the bottle, covering all sides as well the top and edges of the bottle with a solid layer of suds. Clean the exterior of the bottle with dish soap and a sponge or damp cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Important tips to keep in mind:

If you do not have a bottle brush, let the bottle soak in hot soapy water for thirty minutes then rinse with warm water.
If you don't have dish soap or simply dislike the soapy taste that may linger in the bottle, use baking soda instead. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the bottle, fill it with hot water, swirl, and let sit. After thirty minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

3: Wash The Cap (And Other Accessories) Of The Bottle

Don't forget to clean the cap of your reusable bottle; it covers the rim of the bottle which constantly comes into contact with your mouth. Unlike many people think, washing the lid isn't a trivial matter as it can easily harbor bacteria. Clean it using warm, soapy water and a sponge to get in all the crevices. Rinse well with warm water.

Other important accessories include your reusable straws and handles.

4: Dry

After washing and rinsing your reusable water bottle, dry by placing it upside down on a drying rack. This also applies to the accessories but make sure to dry and store them separately for later use.

Tip: keep the bottle uncovered during storage so that it perfectly airs out and is fresh for next use.

How To Deep Clean Your Reusable Bottle

Once in a while, it is required that you deep clean your reusable water bottles. This is an easy task; all you need to do is add vinegar to the cleaning mixture. The vinegar acts as a natural cleanser, disinfectant and deodorizer.

Technique:

Simply fill your reusable water bottle a quarter of the way full with vinegar, and to the brim with hot water.
Let it sit overnight.
Rinse the bottle thoroughly with warm water in the morning and let it dry.

Deep cleaning your reusable bottles through this efficient method will help you get rid of lingering odors and taste from previous drinks. Now, you never have to worry about keeping your reusable bottles clean, fresh smelling and longlasting!