With more people working towards being eco-friendly, ditching your single-use plastic water bottles for a reusable one is becoming a more popular choice. But experts say your water bowl could in fact be dirtier than a dog's bowl.
In the past few years water bottles such as Stanley Flasks, Eurohikes, Tritan Water Bottles and Air Up have seen a surge in popularity, with plenty of celebrity endorsements and social media popularity. Google searches for "water bottles" have seen an increase of 250% in the past five years.
But many people seem completely unaware of how to correctly clean out their bottles. Experts at GO Outdoors have now offered advice on how to make your bottle last, and how often you need to clean it.
Natalie Byrne, Content Marketing Manager at GO Outdoors says “Whilst water bottles were often seen as a piece of sports equipment, there has been a huge movement in the market which has meant the items are now seen as an everyday necessity. With such a market for reusable water bottles, it is hard to know which brand to go for.
"Some brands focus on compact, lightweight bottles that are perfect for sports, whereas others focus on the quantity of water it can hold - with some water bottles holding over a gallon of water. When choosing a brand, it is important to think about what you will be using the bottle for, as well as the materials used and if they are environmentally friendly. We have curated some top tips on how to choose your water bottle, and how to look after it”
Environmentally Friendly Water Bottles
One reason that people choose to use reusable bottles is to cut down on single-use plastic and help the environment, so it makes sense to choose a bottle that is environmentally friendly. When looking for a bottle, it is best to look for non-toxic materials. Stainless steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for a water bottle - not only is it safe, but it is also very durable and infinitely recyclable. Another material to look for is aluminium, which is also highly durable and recyclable.
Glass is also a great material for water bottles, due to the fact that it can be endlessly recycled. However, it is not safe or suitable for being on the go or for active sports. These bottles are good for home use, but not recommended for travel. It is also not recommended that you use glass bottles around children or pets due to the fragility and potential danger of sharp glass.
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You also need to look at the packaging and shipping of your bottle. It is much more environmentally friendly to buy a locally sourced bottle in recyclable packaging than it is to order a bottle wrapped in unrecyclable, plastic packaging.
Looking after your bottles
When looked after properly, reusable water bottles can last for years, especially ones made of materials such as stainless steel. Stainless steel water bottles usually only need replacing due to wear and tear, meaning that with proper care they can last for years. Glass water bottles should be replaced every two to three years and plastic bottles replaced every year.
Cleaning your reusable water bottle may not appear to be an urgent task, but with studies finding there is more bacteria in a water bottle than in a dog's water bowl¹, not taking care of the cleanliness of your bottle could potentially have devastating impacts on your health. Water bottles should be washed as often as drinking glasses are washed; after every use. Many water bottles are dishwasher-safe, but it is important to clean smaller parts with a toothbrush or bottle brush. This is especially important for bottles with built-in straws. If not washed properly, bacteria such as E.Coli can grow inside water bottles and lead to gastroenteritis. Mould can also grow in your bottle if not cleaned properly.
Expert Natalie Byrne said: “Warm soapy water will clean all sorts of water bottles including metal, glass and plastic. I recommend that you use fragrance-free soap, as bottles made of silicone and plastic can take on the scent of the soap- nobody wants to drink water that tastes of washing up liquid”
A great way to clean water bottles with a straw attached is to use a pipe cleaner. If the straw is removable, it is recommended to soak the straw at least once a week.
Advances in water bottles
Over the past years, water bottles have advanced in leaps and bounds. Smart water bottles now have features to help you find them, track your water intake levels and even play music. Many also have bacteria lights, which can eliminate pathogens in less than a minute.
