11-07-2025
Filthy water bottle? Here's how to clean it the right way
I have a kitchen cupboard dedicated to the best water bottles, and I don't think my family is alone in our obsession with them. There's one for work, one for the gym, and one for days out. And every time I open the cupboard door, at least one water bottle tumbles out.
While my water bottle cupboard could use a declutter, the bottles could also benefit from a deep clean. However, I get stuck on knowing the best way to clean the water bottles and then keeping them that way.
So, I set myself the task of discovering the best way to clean a water bottle and maintain its cleanliness.
A self-cleaning water bottle? Yes, that's right! The LARQ Bottle PureVis is a self-cleaning and insulated stainless steel water bottle with a UV water purifier. It sanitizes water and cleans the inner surface of the bottle by neutralizing bacteria such as E-coli. It either works at a touch of a button or self cleans every two hours. What's more, it offers double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your cold water chilled for 24 hours and hot for 12.
I know that an unclean water bottle can be a health hazard, because every time you take a sip of water, or whatever concoction you prefer to drink, you are leaving behind bacteria. While it may seem easy to give your bottle a quick rinse through at the end of each day, it is simply not enough, even though it may look clean to the naked eye.
Another major problem I have is preventing mold growth, whether inside the bottle itself, within the threads that secure the lid, or around the lid and mouthpiece. It's one nasty that needs to be banished.
Mold has a fondness for warm and damp places where it will thrive and spread tiny spores into the air. It's considered a health hazard, so if you spot mold in your water bottle, you need to clean it out.
But how do you spot it, as it's not always visible with the naked eye? Mold could be lurking in your water bottle if you notice an unpleasant musty smell, the water appears cloudy, you spot a residue or film on your water bottle, or the water tastes unpleasant.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to give your water bottle a deep clean to remove mold.
Top tip
I always leave my water bottles lid-free, to prevent any moisture from being trapped inside and causing a build-up of mold.
To avoid the buildup of mold and prevent contaminating your drinking water, wash your water bottle daily and ensure it dries completely. You don't need to give it a deep clean every day, but you should wash it in hot water and dish soap to remove any bacteria, especially around the mouthpiece.
If cleaning isn't your thing, opt for a water bottle that is dishwasher safe. However, do check which rack it can be washed on, as it will probably have to be placed on the top rack.
Another top tip is to look for a water bottle with a simple design. Check out the lid and mouthpiece. If it has lots of intricate parts, it will be more difficult to keep clean.
So, look for a bottle with a wide mouth, such as the HydroFlask 24oz Wide Flex Straw Cap Bottle, currently reduced to $30 at Amazon. My son owns this bottle, and I'd buy it just for the funky logo alone!
Smooth materials, such as stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, will also make your job easier.
You can even enhance your cleaning prowess with a bottle featuring a UV light that does the cleaning for you, such as LARQ's Bottle PureVis, which is currently reduced in some colorways to $69 at Amazon. You simply press a button to activate the light and wait a few seconds for it to sanitize your water.
Apart from investing in a water bottle that's easy to clean, you could try a drying rack designed specifically for water bottles. How about Kuppy's Silicone Bottle Drying Rack that's $19 at Amazon?
