How to reuse your drinking water bottle

Written on the 26 October 2013 by Peter

How to reuse your drinking water bottles:

Single Use Bottles:
With bottled water widely available, many walkers reuse the bottles. These bottles are more difficult to clean between uses because they don't have the wider mouths that refillable water bottles do. Be sure to wash them with hot soapy water and dry them thoroughly to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Bacterial Concerns for All Water Bottles:
The real culprits for the safety of reusing any water bottle are the bacteria and fungi that can grow in damp or partially full bottles once they have been opened. These bacteria generally come from your hands and mouth, or any dirt that comes in contact with the mouth of the bottle.

Cleaning Your Water Bottle:
Both single-use and reusable water bottles should be thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses. Reusable water bottles generally have wider mouths, making them easier to clean. Dish washing soap and hot water are acceptable to use for cleaning your water bottle. The risks of bacterial and fungal growth are higher if you use the bottle with a drink that contains sugars. Immediately drain, rinse, and wash your water bottle after your walk if you use it with sports drinks or juices.

Sanitizing Your Water Bottle:
If you have visible bacterial slime or mold in your water bottle, you should sanitize your water bottle with a dilute bleach solution of 1 teaspoon bleach and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in ½ liter of water. Allow the solution to sit in the bottle overnight, then thoroughly rinse and dry the bottle before using it again.

It is a good idea to reuse your water bottle: The truth about Water Bottles and our environment.

Refill your water bottle with filtered water.