Having a reusable water bottle is an awesome idea for the environment, but it's also an awesome way to grow bacteria. Those critters love to hang out in wet places.
You wouldn't re-use a glass or a fork over and over again without washing it, so why do we re-fill our water bottles without cleaning them first?
Reusable water bottles should be thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses. Use one that has a wide mouth so you can get in there with a sponge or brush and plenty of dish soap and hot water.
The risk of bacterial and fungal growth are higher if you use the bottle with a drink that contains sugars like sport drinks or juices - so immediately rinse and wash the bottle after you're done.
I would hope it wouldn't get to this point, but if there is visible mold or slime in your water bottle, scrub that sucker and pop it in the dishwasher.
Fit's Tips: Get rid of your narrow mouth bottles - there's no way to clean them properly.
Christian Dior
We have the same water bottle, and every week, we put a capful of bleach and fill it up w/ hot water, let it sit for a while, then rinse it out with hot water.
1this is a great tip fit, my husband def does not wash our nalgene's out and he never believes me that you should. i am emailing this one on!
2fitnessgirl - Show him the inside of his cap, mildew actually grows along the threads if you don't ever wash it.
Mine lets me run his through the dishwasher occasionally now that he's seen that.
3jen, that's sooo true, it's really gross!
4Ewww! I always reuse my water container thing, but I also use a straw. Ick! The thought of me eating bacteria is making me
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