Water bottles are everywhere right now, and they just keep getting bigger. But with all that hydration comes great responsibility —?your water bottle needs to be cleaned, probably much more often than you’re doing.
While many water bottles are dishwasher-safe, due to their size and configuration, there are times when cleaning a water bottle by hand is the better choice. And, even when a water bottle is washed in the dishwasher, there are things to know to ensure all the parts come out as clean as possible.
Ahead, with the help of experts, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about how, and how often, to wash a water bottle, including the best tools, gadgets and brushes to get the job done right.
How often to clean water bottles
You will not like to hear this, but water bottles should be cleaned after every use. Yes, every use.
“This is especially true,” says Kyle Casteel, senior hydration product manager at Stanley, “if you are drinking a beverage other than water.”
Washing water bottles after use is important for ensuring that the bottle is safe and hygienic. Dirty water bottles, even those used only to hold water, can harbor bacteria and viruses that can sicken you.
Essential tools for cleaning water bottles
A long-handled brush is ideal for washing bottles to ensure the bottom of the vessel is thoroughly scrubbed clean. This 15-inch handled nylon bristle brush gets high marks for durability and its well-designed no-slip grip handle.
Silicon bottle brushes are a good choice for frequent washers, because they don't have the wear and tear problems that befall nylon-bristled bottle brushes. Silicone bottle brushes can also go into the dishwasher when they need to be cleaned.
Bring a little power to the party with a set of electric bottle brushes. The battery-operated base can be fitted with one of three brushes to quickly scour bottles and straws.
Households that have a lot of water bottles in different sizes and shapes will benefit from investing in an inexpensive bottle brush set that contains brushes in multiple sizes. This set includes a 16-inch long handle beer bottle brush, 14-inch sports water bottle brush, 10-inch multifunction sponge brush, 4.3-inch spout cleaning brush, and three straw brushes in varying sizes.
Washing water bottle lids can be a frustrating task, but this 3-in-1 tool makes it easy to keep them clean. It features a U-shaped bottle cup lid brush, a gap brush and a corner brush with hard bristles.
Bottle cleaning tablets are great for travel, or for use on water bottles that you've let go too long without cleaning. This tablet has odor-neutralizing properties, making it a good choice for people who typically use tumblers for drinks other than water that can leave a smell behind.
Bring some whimsy to your chores with this adorable bottle brush set with cactus-shaped handles and a terracotta "planter" brush holder.
Blender bottles used for protein shakes and pre-workout drinks are especially difficult to clean. If you use this type of bottle, investing in a set of brushes designed to clean them is a smart move.
How to clean a water bottle
Most water bottles are dishwasher-safe, and that will be the easiest and most effective way to clean them. Before placing a water bottle in the dishwasher, check the bottom or the manufacturer’s instructions for the “dishwasher-safe” designation. Then, disassemble the parts, including the gasket around the lid, and place them in the dishwasher separately.
To hand-wash a water bottle, use hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge and/or bottle brush. Start by separating all the parts including the lid, lid tab (if removable), gasket (if removable) and straw. Then, use dish soap and a sponge to wash each individual part. A bottle brush can help to clean hard-to-reach areas, and is especially helpful with tall water bottles to ensure the bottom is scrubbed free of buildup. A narrow brush can be used to clean the inside of the straw.
Rinse all the parts very well with warm water to ensure there is no soap residue, which can affect the taste of drinks and cause GI distress if ingested. Dry the parts with a clean towel or allow them to air dry, then reassemble the bottle.
How to deep clean a water bottle
If your water bottle needs to be deep cleaned, a water bottle cleaning tablet is a good choice. You can also soak water bottle parts individually in a solution of hot soapy water; soak the parts for 30 minutes to an hour and then clean as usual using the steps outlined above.
Water bottles that have buildup that needs something tougher than soap and water can be soaked in a mixture of equal parts baking soda and warm water. After soaking for 30 minutes to an hour, rinse the solution and wash the bottle as usual.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chlorine bleach when washing water bottles; they are unnecessary and can cause damage.
How to clean water bottle straws
It’s especially important to keep water bottle straws clean, to prevent illness-causing bacteria or viruses from lingering on them.
Detachable, dishwasher-safe straws can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher or placed in the utensil basket.
“For straws that don’t detach,” Casteel says, “or other narrow parts, it’s best to use a slim straw brush to clean the outside of the bottle, plus the detachable straw portion on the inside of the bottle.” When washing a water bottle straw by hand, hold it vertically under hot running water to ensure it is rinsed well.
How to clean water bottle lids
Water bottle lids that are dishwasher-safe should be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher; avoid placing them in the bottom rack, where proximity to the heating element can cause melting or warping. If the lid has a removable gasket, take it apart and clean it separately by placing it in the utensil basket.
To clean a water bottle lid by hand, use a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap. A lid-cleaning tool can help to get into the grooves and other tight, hard-to-clean spaces.
