How to wash a water bottle: rules that are often overlooked

The neck of a reusable water bottle harbors many bacteria and germs. You should wash the container properly every day after use. Thorough cleaning is a key factor in preventing illnesses that can be caused by germs inside the bottle or around the lids.

If not cleaned regularly, mold can even build up in the bottle. The New York Times explains how to effectively clean a water bottle.

After daily use, water and dishwashing detergent will be enough to clean the bottle. Most bottles are too narrow to allow your hand to reach far enough to get to the bottom, so it's worth buying special brushes.

If the container requires a more thorough cleaning, baking soda can help.

1. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into the bottle and add about half a cup of vinegar. A chemical reaction will occur – the mixture will foam vigorously for a few seconds.
2. Scrub the bottle with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly under running water.

Silicone gaskets or seals are conducive to bacterial growth and odors, so be especially careful when cleaning these parts of the bottle.

1. Preheat the oven to 120 °C. Most silicone cookware can be used in ovens up to 260 °C. Make sure that the seal is entirely silicone. Do not put plastic or rubber in the oven.
2. Wash the silicone gaskets with soap and hot water before placing them in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet.
3. Wait 30 minutes, remove the seals, wait for them to cool, and rinse them again with water.

If you want to wash the bottle in the dishwasher, first of all, make sure that the material of the container is suitable for this type of washing.

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