Wash well - and don’t forget the lid: how to clean your reusable water bottle
The Guardian••health
Key Points:
- Reusable water bottles can harbor bacteria and viruses introduced via hands and saliva, creating an ideal environment for microbial growth if not cleaned properly.
- Experts recommend washing hands and wiping down phones regularly, as phones can carry microorganisms that contaminate bottles, and cleaning bottles thoroughly with soap, diluted bleach, or vinegar to break down biofilms.
- Special attention should be paid to cleaning lids, mouthpieces, and straws, which often trap moisture and harbor microbes; bottles should be dried completely to inhibit bacterial growth.
- Regular washing, ideally daily, is advised to prevent biofilm buildup, which can cause unpleasant odors and tastes and may indicate harmful microbial populations that could lead to illness.
- Metal and glass bottles tend to resist bacterial growth better than plastic,
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