Are you guilty of not washing your lifetime water bottle enough? Worried that it won't last a lifetime after all?
We all have had those moments where we get caught up in life, forget about our routines, and don't provide the TLC for our go-to H2O container, leaving it riddled with mold and bacteria.
I'm forever leaving a bottle in a gym bag for longer than I should. But having researched this article, that's something I won't be doing anymore!
In this article, I'll reveal what happens if you don't wash your water bottle often or adequately enough (it goes way beyond a smelly surprise!)...
Contents
Bacteria is a common part of our everyday lives, but it can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.
When it comes to reusable water bottles, the risk of harmful bacteria growth is ever-present because the bottle is permanently exposed to moisture and bacteria from your mouth when you drink.
If you don't wash your water bottle regularly, bacteria will begin to grow inside the container and contaminate whatever drink you put into it.
When bacteria accumulate in your water bottle, it produces an unpleasant foul smell and can make drinking unappealing.
The more bacteria within the bottle, the worse the smell will be.
In addition to the foul smells, mold can start to form on your water bottle if it isn't washed regularly or if you leave stagnant water untouched in the bottle for a long time.
Mold growth is caused by moisture and bacteria accumulation.
When you don't wash your water bottle properly, these two elements are present for a longer period, thus resulting in moldy residue.
If you don't clean your water bottle, the bacteria and mold will eventually contaminate whatever liquid you put in it.
When you try to drink from your bottle, you may notice an odd taste or texture due to bacterial growth.
Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous if the bacteria is hazardous to your health.
Not washing your water bottle regularly reinforces a poor hygiene habit that could potentially spread into aspects of your life.
Top-quality reusable water bottles are an expensive but worthwhile investment.
However, your bottle won't last as long as it should if you don't take care of it.
Regular washing will help to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, which can cause damage to the material over time.
It'll be a quick and simple process if you get into the habit of cleaning your water bottle every day.
But if you put it off until your bottle is stinky and full of mold, it'll be a slow and unpleasant experience to scrub it all away.
Cleaning your water bottle regularly is the best way to keep it in top condition.
Here are some tips for keeping it squeaky clean:
Some bottle features can significantly affect how easy it is to clean.
Mold and bacteria don't really care what they grow on. However, choosing a suitable reusable water bottle material can help keep it clean and hygienic.
Hot soapy water and a good scrub kills bacteria and stops mold in its tracks. So, by choosing a glass or stainless steel water bottle, you can turn up the heat when washing it.
Reusable plastic bottles not only add to plastic waste (even reusable ones) but also respond poorly to boiling water. The plastic deteriorates and potentially releases toxic chemicals.
According to AccuWeather, the design of the top of your water bottle significantly impacts bacteria levels.
The ranking, from least bacteria prone to most bacteria prone, is as follows:
The wider the mouth, the easier it is to get a bottle brush inside and thoroughly scrub away any dirt and debris with soap and warm water.
When it comes to bottles, sharing is usually not caring. It's essential to have your own designated bottle and avoid using someone else's, as cross-contamination can occur.
Your bacteria swimming around in your bottle is unlikely to harm you. But if you share your bottle, you're potentially exposing yourself to germs that your immune system will not be used to or able to cope with.
Every day is ideal. But if you miss a day occasionally, drinking from an unwashed water bottle is not the end of the world.
Yes. Very old water that's become contaminated with bacteria can make you sick (upset stomach, vomiting, stomach acid issues, etc.) if you drink it.
Also, see this guide if you're wondering about water left in a car.
Yes, you can rinse and wash disposable plastic bottles. But be aware that the plastic will become brittle over time and could break down further. So, it's best to avoid using them and switch to a reusable bottle.
The consequences of not washing your water bottle can start to get serious if left to fester over a long time.
Not only can bacteria and mold contaminate your drink, but they can also lead to potential health risks if not handled properly.
Yes, mold does not affect everyone (according to Healthline, “Some people get sick from exposure to mold. Others have no symptoms and don't experience ill effects of any kind.”) and only 1%-2% of the germs we come into contact with daily are potentially harmful.
But why take the risk and drink from a dirty bottle?
Make sure you clean your reusable water bottles regularly to prevent the issues mentioned in this article from occurring.
By taking the extra time to wash your water bottle properly, you can ensure that it’s safe and sanitary for use…allowing it to serve you faithfully for years to come!
Do you regularly drink from an unwashed water bottle? Or do you clean it after every use?
Do you only use reusable bottles for drinking water? Or do you have one for hot drinks on the go? Drop me a line and let me know.
