March 10, 2022
The advantages of using a reusable H2O Capsule water bottle are well known. Giving up single-use plastic bottles reduces landfill waste and plastic pollution while saving you money and improving your health. BPA, a potentially harmful chemical that can leach into the body over time, is frequently found in single-use plastic water bottles. This common type of polycarbonate, known as bisphenol, has been linked to a slew of health issues, including reproductive system damage in both wildlife and humans.
If you've already decided to invest in a low-cost, long-lasting, reusable water bottle carrier made with non-toxic materials and a BPA-free plastic lid, congratulations! You've made the better decision for your health while also contributing to preserving the environment for future generations. But keep in mind that you can only reap the benefits of a reusable water bottle if you clean it daily. All jokes aside, a dirty water bottle can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which can cause serious illness.
Let's discuss the importance of cleaning your reusable water bottle regularly.
Why Cleaning Daily Matters
"Because it's a moist environment, bacteria can set up shop and thrive," explains Robert Glatter, MD, attending emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital. To avoid illness or unpleasant symptoms, he recommends cleaning your water bottle daily — and not just with water, but with an antibacterial dishwashing liquid.
Refilling your bottle, sipping until the last drop, rinsing with water, and repeating may be easier and more convenient. But, with your health on the line, it's worth the extra effort to sanitize your bottle at the end of the day. We also recommend that you deep clean it regularly with stronger cleaning solutions such as water cleaning tablets, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or bleach.Â
If you follow these simple, step-by-step cleaning instructions, your reusable water bottle will not only last a lifetime but will also keep you safely hydrated throughout the day.
Wash Daily With Warm, Soapy Water
The first step in keeping a reusable water bottle sanitized and clean is to wash it with warm, soapy water every day gently. We recommend using a bottle brush to wash all the hard-to-reach areas around the lid gently. Never put a powder-coated reusable water bottle in the dishwasher because the high temperatures and wash process can damage the exterior.
Keep It Out of the Freezer & Microwave
A reusable half gallon water bottle should never be placed in the freezer or microwave because it can harm both the bottle and your appliances. This means that putting your bottle in the freezer or microwave does not affect its ability to keep your beverage at the proper temperature, and it can also cause damage to your water bottle.
Remove Oxidation Spots With Vinegar
Over time, oxidation can cause spots to form on your metal water bottle. Putting 1/4 to 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar inside the bottle and gently swirling it around is an easy way to remove any discoloration. Allow the solution to stand for 5 to 10 minutes. To remove stubborn stains, combine three teaspoons of baking soda with a small amount of water and scrub the bottle thoroughly with a bottle brush.
Deep Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide
If the inside of your bottle has a bad odor or feels slimy, we recommend boosting your sanitizing method with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Cleaning Plain & Simple author, Donna Smallin Kuper has a simple, fail-safe method for disinfecting reusable water bottles: "Thoroughly clean the bottle and top with soap and water, then rinse with hot water. Then, pour about 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide into the bottle, replace the cap, and tightly close the lid." Then, vigorously shake the bottle and pour out the hydrogen peroxide. Give your bottle a final rinse with water to ensure that all peroxide has been removed. Your water bottle should now be sparkling clean and sanitized.
Sanitize With Water Cleaning Tablets
Water cleaning tablets are another option for sanitizing your water bottle. This method is useful when you regularly clean your bottle to remove funky odors or mold. Fill your bottle halfway with water and drop the tablets as directed on the package. Allow for 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing your bottle with water. Dr. Glatter recommends sanitizing with water cleaning tablets as a convenient cleaning method because it eliminates the need for scrubbing with a bottle brush.
Disinfect With Bleach
Aside from water cleaning tablets and hydrogen peroxide, a bleach solution is another common household item that can be used to deep clean your reusable water bottle. Cleaning your reusable water bottle with a weak bleach solution is completely safe, and in fact, it is frequently used to clean baby bottles and sippy cups. Make a cleaning solution by combining 1 tbsp bleach and 1 quart of water. Fill your water bottle halfway with the solution, tighten the lid, and set it aside for 2 minutes. Then, drain the water, rinse with fresh water, and allow your bottle to dry completely.
Sanitize Straws With Straw-Cleaning Brushes
You should buy a set of inexpensive straw cleaners to clean a reusable water bottle that comes with a straw. Scrub away any dirt or grime accumulated inside the straws with a solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Then, rinse with warm water or, if dishwasher safe, place them in the cutlery basket of your dishwasher and run through a washing cycle.
Dry It Thoroughly
After washing your reusable water bottle, dry it thoroughly with a paper towel or clean dish towel, whichever method you use. Because bacteria thrive in moist environments, this will prevent your freshly cleaned bottle from becoming contaminated with new germs. Another option is to air dry your bottle with the cap off, which will keep moisture out.
Cleaning your reusable water bottle daily is simple, convenient, and the most effective way to keep your half gallon water bottle with sleeve in excellent condition. Your bottle will be squeaky clean for years to come if you follow these simple daily care tips.