How to Clean a Water Bottle—Because You Might Not Wash It Enough

And yes, how to clean those reusable straws, too!

Reusable water bottles are better for the environment.

And they’re way more stylish than plastic bottles.

And they’re good for your health andhydration.

Checkwell, if you know how to clean a water bottle correctly, that is.

If not, you might clean a water bottle (and those reusable straws, too!)

in less than five minutes.

Just follow the simple steps outlined in one of the methods below.

And nearly 15 percent of Americans clean their water bottles only a few times a month.

Then adhere to these instructions.

Add Water and Dishwashing Soap

Fill the bottle with warm water and a squirt of dishwashing liquid.

Replace the cap and shake the bottle.

Remove the cap.

Using a bottle brush, scrub the walls and bottom of the bottle.

Be sure to clean not just the inside but also the lip of the bottle.

Rinse the bottle and cap thoroughly.

Let it sit overnight.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water before following the drying instructions above.

If your water bottle is dishwasher friendly, run it through a dishwashing cycle as well.

Fill the bottle halfway with vinegar, then add cool water.

Let the mixture sit overnight.

Rinse and dry thoroughly with a paper towel or dishcloth.

If possible, initiate the water bottle through the dishwasher.

Try the rice technique.

Fill your water bottle 14 full with raw, uncooked rice.

Add a squirt of dish soap and fill the rest of the bottle with hot water.

Close up the bottle and shake vigorously.

Pour out the contents, and rinse.

double-check all the rice has been rinsed out!

Squeeze-top bottles need to be cleaned frequently using the same methods detailed above.

Then rinse with warm water.

If there is sugar in the sports drink, it will accelerate the growth of bacteria inside the bottle.

But if you are cleaning your bottle daily, this should not be a problem.