Drinking plenty of water is essential for a whole host of health reasons, and having a dedicated bottle to do so can make it easier - and more sustainable.
But keeping your bottle clean is also important for health, as containers can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, which can cause illness and infection.
A cleaning expert has now shared the "correct" way to clean your bottle, and says you need to do this after every single use.
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Leslie Reichert, also known as the Green Cleaning Coach, said germs, mould, and mildew thrive in moist and dark places so the inside of a water bottle is the perfect place.
She also said if your water starts to smell a little different or doesn't taste as fresh, then it's time to change your habits.
Speaking to Apartment Therapy, Leslie said: "Germs will grow on your reusable water bottles after each and every use.
"Combined with the fact that mould and mildew thrive in moist, dark areas—let’s just say this is not a container you would want to drink anything out of."
Whether it’s made of stainless steel, plastic, or something else, she says you should still wash the bottle after every single use.
This can be done by using or a dishwasher or by hand-washing.
Reichert continued: "You can clean your water bottle with eco-friendly dish soap and a good bottle brush to get into the nooks and crannies."
To clean the bottle, take it apart as much as you are able.
Unscrew lids, and take out straws and anything else that can be removed and put back together.
Rinse with very hot water before air drying.
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