The simple guide to a cleaner sip
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Staying hydrated is a good way to stay healthy and carrying a water bottle is a way to access fluids regularly throughout the day. Every time you take a sip from your water bottle, you are depositing bacteria inside it and over the course of a day these can multiply by the millions.
FAQ:
Why do I need to wash my water bottle regularly?
- Bacteria transferred from your lips, backwash, or just room air temperature can make bacteria multiply. In addition, your hands harbour bacteria and can transfer them onto your bottle.
- Regularly washing your water bottle with soap and hot water prevents bacterial growth. Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Mold can also develop.
- The slick or slimy substance on the straw inside the bottle or in the container is bacteria.
- If the bottle contained a liquid with sugar, like juice or a sports drink, the bacteria may grow faster compared to water.
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How often should I wash my water bottle?
- It is recommended to rinse water bottles, including their top, daily with soap and hot water to prevent bacterial buildup, and then do a deeper cleaning with a brush every two to three days. If you are using your bottle daily, once a week you may wish to clean it with baking soda and vinegar.
- One way to slow bacterial growth is to store your bottle in the fridge between sips.
How do I wash my water bottles?
- Find out if your water bottle is dishwasher safe. Take the pieces apart to clean them.
- If it’s not dishwasher safe, wash the bottle by hand using soap and hot water along with a brush.
- For a deep cleaning, add 1-2 teaspoons baking soda and ~1/4 cup vinegar to the bottle to tackle excess buildup.
- If you have a reusable straw, let it soak for a few minutes in hot water, and use a brush to clean the inside of it.
- It is important to clean all the pieces of the top of the bottle and not just the body of the bottle.
Is there a difference between plastic, metal and glass water bottles?
- Plastic is the softest material, will allow more bacteria to stick, and is the most susceptible to being scratched when scrubbed (the bacteria hide in cracks and multiply).
- Glass is the most durable and the least likely to be scratched by a brush or scrub while cleaning and therefore collect less bacteria. It also allows you to see inside the bottle.
- Metal is a very close second-best choice. Steel is resistant to corrosion and cracks, limiting the opportunity for bacteria to enter scuffs and cracks. Bacteria do not stick as well to steel compared to plastic.
Benefits of drinking water:
About Water and Healthier Drinks | Healthy Weight and Growth | CDC
