How to Clean a Water Bottle to Prevent Germs, Mould, and Build-up

Is there anything as underrated as your reusable water bottle? This handy item goes with you to the gym, your desk, the grocery store, and on daily dog walks. It might be in your favourite color and keep ice water cold for hours on end, but it might also be host to bacteria, buildup, and even mould. With so many reusable types available, it’s sometimes confusing to understand how to clean a water bottle.

3 Ways to Clean Water Bottles

Some water bottles are dishwasher safe. If so, toss yours into the dishwasher every time you run a cycle. However, even if the base of the bottle can go in the dishwasher, the lid might not. If your water bottle isn’t dishwasher-safe, use these common cleaning agents to get the job done.

How to Clean a Water Bottle with Liquid Dish Soap

1. For everyday washes, warm, soapy water will do the trick.
2. Fill the empty water bottle with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish detergent.
3. Place the cap back on and shake it well—the water should begin to bubble inside.
4. Dump out the suds, then use a bottle scrub brush to reach the bottom of the bottle. And don’t forget to wash the exterior and bottom of the bottle.
5. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse your water bottle in warm water until you no longer see any soap bubbles, and then let it dry thoroughly.
6. Scrub the lid inside and out, paying extra attention to the spout opening or mouthpiece. Rinse it and let dry.

How to Clean a Water Bottle with Distilled White Vinegar

1. Vinegar is our favorite go-to cleaning agent.
2. Fill your water bottle halfway with equal parts vinegar and water.
3. Place the cap back on and give it a few shakes before letting it sit with the solution overnight.
4. The next day, be sure to thoroughly rinse out both the bottle and the lid with warm water to remove any leftover vinegar. Let them dry.
5. This is a particularly good way to clean a stainless steel water bottle.

How to Clean a Water Bottle with Baking Soda and Bleach

1. For hard-to-clean grime and mildew, consider cleaning your water bottle with bleach.
2. Mix a teaspoon of bleach with a teaspoon of baking soda in your water bottle.
3. Fill the remainder with water.
4. Use the solution to scrub the cap, both inside and out.
5. Let your water bottle sit overnight, then rinse thoroughly with warm water in the morning. Let it dry.
6. If your bottle is dishwasher friendly, we suggest running it through a cycle.