If the only thing that goes into your
reusable water bottle is water, then it should be quite clean, right?
Wrong. "Bacteria tend to form a biofilm on the inside of the reusable
container over time," said Dr. Philip Tierno, clinical professor of
pathology and microbiology at NYU Langone Medical Center. Moreover,
you’re unscrewing and capping your water bottle several times a day -
basically, you’re ensuring that whatever was on your hands is getting
into the bottle.
How to clean:
Your water bottle needs to be washed every day. Fill the bottle with
warm water and squeeze some dishwashing liquid into it, then scrub the
walls and the bottom using a bottle brush. Be sure you clean the lip of
the bottle as well.
Because bacteria thrive in moist environments, it’s a good idea to dry
the bottle with a paper towel, or a clean dishtowel. If you still prefer
to let it air dry, make sure you leave the cap off.