Regardless of whether I’m heading to work, driving to a friend’s house or simply going on a midday walk, there’s one thing I always have with me — my reusable water bottle (or what social media users humorously refer to as an “emotional support water bottle”).
I can’t seem to pinpoint exactly when everyone started carrying around these extra-large tumblers, but now, I can’t go anywhere without one. First it was the Hydro Flask, then the Stanley and now the Owala. I’m a proud owner of all three. The best ones are leakproof, easy-to-carry and help reduce plastic waste. Why not get on board?
But there is one thing most people don’t know about their emotional support water bottles: how often to clean them. Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tons of experience testing the best of the best tumblers and water bottles. I spoke to GHI Kitchen Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou for tips on how often you should clean your reusable water bottle.
It’s easy to assume a water bottle is clean after simply refilling it with water day after day. You are the only one drinking out of it, after all. But if you tend to go days without giving it a good wash, you might want to work it into your daily routine.
“I’d recommend cleaning your water bottle daily, but I’ll admit that sometimes I’ll go two or three days tops without washing it,” says Papantoniou. “Bacteria can build up easily, which can make your water taste bad and can even cause sickness.”
Cleaning your water bottle every day might seem inconvenient, but most tumblers nowadays are dishwasher-safe. Just throw it in there at the end of the day with the rest of your dishes so it’s fresh and clean the next morning.
Tip: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting your water bottle in the dishwasher.
If your water bottle isn’t dishwasher-safe or you want to give it an extra deep clean, here are a few steps to follow when washing by hand.
- Dissemble all pieces of the water bottle before cleaning.
- Wash the outside of the bottle using a sponge and hot, soapy water. Clean the inside with a bottle brush.
- Pay special attention to the mouthpiece and all crevices of the bottle, including the straw. “I always give my straws a good once-over with a straw brush to remove any buildup,” says Papantoniou.
- Let all pieces of the water bottle dry. “Mold can grow under silicone pieces if they’re not removed and allowed to dry completely,” says Papantoniou.
To eliminate any bottle-cleaning frustration, try a few GHI expert-recommended products. Keep a dedicated bottle brush right by your sink for everyday use, or carry a compact Tot Bottle Brush for when you’re on the go. Looking for something even more travel-friendly? Bottle Bright tablets are perfect for cleaning your water bottle regardless of where you are.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
