How To Clean Your Water Bottle

Other dangers besides BPA (Bisphenol A) lurk in your water bottle. In fact, your innocuous looking plastic water bottle is a natural incubator for bacteria and mold.

Many bottle liners have inverted pits or other odd shapes that make them difficult to clean properly. If you store your bottle with the lid on, new life-forms can grow in this dark, damp environment. The last thing you want in the middle of a long ride, or a hard workout is to take a big swig of nasty, sludgy water — yuck! In addition to the repulsive taste, the bacteria or mold can make you sick. Here’s how to have a fresh start each time you reach for your water bottle.

Sanitize Your Water Bottle

Bleach Method: Dilute 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a 4 litres of water. Fill your water bottle with the solution and let it sit overnight. Next morning, thoroughly rinse your bottle. Allow it to dry inverted on a clean dish rack. When it’s dry, store it in a cupboard with the lid off until next use.

Freezer Method: This method is for those of you with room in your freezer. Wash your bottle in warm soapy water. Rinse it well, then stick it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it again. Apparently most bacteria and mold won’t survive the cold treatment.

White Vinegar Method: Wash your bottle in warm soapy water. Rinse well. Fill 1/5 to 1/4 of your bottle with white vinegar and the remainder with water. Let sit overnight. Next morning thoroughly rinse your bottle. Allow it to dry inverted on a clean dish rack. When it’s dry, store it in a cupboard with the lid off until next use.
© Laurel-Lea Shannon

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