Keep water bottles fresh this summer with these time-saving cleaning hacks
When it comes to staying safe in hot weather, hydration is key. Keeping a water bottle on hand is a summertime essential, and with new styles that keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours it’s easier than ever to stay on top of your water intake throughout the day.
Insulated styles have surged in popularity in recent years, but the moist environment can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria if your water bottle isn’t properly cleaned.
Experts agree that bottles should ideally be washed every day, or at the very least every couple of days if you have a few on hand that can be rotated out during the week.
Luckily there are several methods that you can use to keep your bottles clean and free of germs that are both easy and inexpensive.
Method 1: A Bottle Brush
Those who’ve had an infant in the house will be familiar with this method of cleaning using a long-handled bottle brush. Simply rinse your water bottle with soap and hot water, and give it a good scrub with a brush like this one from Dr. Brown’s. The long bristles are able to clean the sides of your bottle, while the sponge tip allows you to easily clean the bottom.
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Method 2: Denture Cleaning Tablets
This Pinterest hack has been making the rounds online thanks to a quick and easy cleaning method that saves you from any scrubbing. With many brands using baking soda as the active cleaning ingredient, these little tablets fizz when dropped into water and kill bacteria on contact. Just place one tablet into your water bottle along with some warm water and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing.
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Method 3: Baking Soda
Similar to method 2, this is a particularly easy way to clean your bottle with ingredients you already have around the house, since all you need is 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda and some warm water. Let the mixture sit inside water bottles overnight, then rinse.
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Method 4: Vinegar
Although vinegar gets a bad reputation for its overpowering scent, it’s an effective yet gentle disinfectant. Just fill your bottle with white vinegar, allow it to sit for ten minutes and rinse with warm water. The vinegar scent may linger for a little while, but it should dissipate before your next use.
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Method 5: Bleach Solution
If all else fails and you want to give your water bottle an even deeper clean, there’s nothing like good old fashioned bleach to do the trick. Create a weak solution by mixing half a teaspoon of bleach into two litres of water. Fill up all your bottles that need to be cleaned, and let them stand for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and air drying.
If you’re in need of a new water bottle in time for summer, shop these top rated picks that customers are loving.
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If you’re looking to invest in a reusable water bottle, check out these top-rated customer favourites below.
Hydro Flask 64 oz Double Wall Water Bottle
Customer review: “I am an avid user. In fact, this is my second purchase! I bought the exact one I had before [when] my first one was lost/stolen. Though they are on the pricey side, the quality makes up for it. The colouring stays in tact and the insulation is amazing (cold water stays icy all day and tea is hot even after 12 hours!)”
SHOP IT: Amazon, $83
S’well Midnight Blue Traveler
Customer review: “I have yet to find a water bottle that is its equal. S'well really does live up to the claim of 24 hours cold.”
SHOP IT: Indigo, $34 (originally $45)
Coleman FreeFlow AUTOSEAL Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Customer review: “I have been on the hunt for the perfect water bottle that I can use with sensitive teeth. This one doesn't leak. It has a stopper and a mouth piece so I can easily flow the water into the mouth without having it pour all over my sensitive teeth. Would highly recommend.”
SHOP IT: Amazon, $39
Yeti Rambler 532 mL Bottle
Customer review: “Works wonderfully for both hot and cold. Perfect size for me. Keeps up with my busy lifestyle and is very durable. Also love that there are so many lid choices.”
SHOP IT: Yeti, $40
Contigo AUTOSPOUT Straw Ashland Water Bottle
Customer review: “I especially like this kind because of the straw. The straw makes it really easy to drink from instead of having to flip the bottle.”
SHOP IT: Amazon, $17
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