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Gulf Today
23-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Admit it, you're not actually cleaning your reusable water bottle enough
Here's an unexpectedly confronting question: when did you last clean out your reusable water bottle? You know, the one that you've been toting around with you from the train to the office to the gym ad infinitum. The one that's developed a suspicious layer of grot around the lid that you're trying not to think about. That you accidentally left festering in the car on a swelteringly hot day. And when I say clean, I'm not just talking about a cursory slosh of fresh water and a bit of damage control around the neck - I mean a proper scrub, or at least a go-around in the dishwasher. If we're being entirely, unflinchingly honest, the answer for most of us is probably something along the lines of "I've left it a little bit longer than I should have." It's all too easy to just throw your bottle in your bag before racing out the door, and make cleaning it a problem for tomorrow. Or the day after. But the stomach-churning truth is that our trusty vessels are actually harbouring quite a staggering amount of bacteria, often without us even realising it. In 2023, researchers from the US company Water Filter Guru swabbed reusable bottles and found that the average one was 40,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat. It's enough to put you off your recommended two litres per day. Over the past decade or so, we've gradually become more aware of exactly what our (disposable) bottled water habit has been doing to the environment. The average single-use plastic bottle can take around 450 years to break down in landfill, shedding tiny particles known as microplastics as it decomposes. These build up in the soil and in the oceans, accumulating in the food chain and eventually cropping up in the stuff we eat; they've also been linked to a whole range of health problems, including hormone disruption and various cancers. Against this backdrop, the reusable bottle has emerged as an everyday hero. Using one instead of opting for throwaway plastic feels like a straightforward swap (as well as being an easy way to broadcast to society that, yes, you are an environmentally conscious citizen). And in recent years, these once-humble items have even become something of a status symbol. Just look at the improbable rise and rise of the uber-trendy Stanley Quencher cup. Once the sole preserve of outdoorsy types, these stainless steel beakers with flippy, sippy straws have been embraced with open arms by hydration-conscious Gen Zs. Pop into any pilates class and I can guarantee that the studio floor will be littered with Quenchers in every shade of the rainbow. Considerably less glamorous, though, is the sheer amount of bacteria that many of these receptacles are harbouring. "Bacteria grow in bottles due to moisture, warmth and nutrients, from saliva or drink residue," explains Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, a lecturer in microbiology and epidemiology at Teesside University. They can "start multiplying in as little as 20 minutes", he adds, "and in 24 hours can reach a staggering billions or even trillions of cells". If you've ever noticed a slightly clammy layer building up on the inside of your bottle, congratulations, you've achieved the dubious honour of cultivating a "biofilm". This is "made up of collections of microbes, such as bacteria, that stick to each other and surfaces", Lopes says; it's also a pretty clear warning sign that your bottle-cleaning regime is not up to scratch. "Imagine biofilm like a Lego city built by bacteria," he suggests. In his analogy, the loose Lego pieces are the bacteria, and "as they stick together, they form a strong protective layer that is hard to remove, similar to a Lego city that is more difficult to tear apart". Common bacteria found in dirty bottles include Staphylococcus aureus (often referred to as "staph"), E coli and Pseudomonas species, explains Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor. While "healthy individuals may not experience immediate problems", she says, "these bacteria can pose a risk, particularly to young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system". Exposure, Wylie adds, might result in symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or sore throat. And if you're using your bottle for more exciting drinks than just water - mixing up a protein shake, for example, or sipping on fruit juice - then you're probably making matters worse. The process, Dr Wylie says, is "exacerbated by the presence of sugary drinks or milk-based liquids, as sugar and protein residues provide a rich nutrient source for bacteria and fungi". So, when you chuck a supplement powder into your drink or add a slice of fruit for flavour, it's not just yourself getting nourishment; you're also feeding a whole ecosystem of lucky microorganisms. In 2023, researchers from the US company Water Filter Guru swabbed reusable bottles and found that the average one was 40,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat You probably won't be all that shocked to learn that the rim of the bottle tends to be the spot with the highest concentration of bacteria, "due to frequent contact with the mouth", as Lopes puts it. Plus, if you really want to get into the nitty gritty, tiny traces of food can get caught here, especially if you're sipping and eating at the same time, and bacteria can use these to grow faster and better form that murky layer of biofilm. And if you're a Stanley cup owner, you might want to look away now. Bottles with built-in straws or spouts can be particularly problematic, Wylie notes, "especially those with complex parts that are difficult to clean". "The small crevices can trap moisture and debris, providing ideal breeding grounds for bacteria," she adds. If you really want to be put off your beloved sippy cup for good, a study from Water Filter Guru found that straw-topped bottles contained 14 times the bacteria you'd typically find in a pet's bowl. Grim. Whatever type of bottle you prefer, you should absolutely make the time to wash your bottle out daily, Wylie says, using warm water and washing-up liquid, paying particular attention "to the rim, lid and any straws or moving parts". A bottle brush, specially made to fit inside narrow-necked designs, is probably a better option than using a harsh scouring pad; these might scratch the inside, creating tiny crevices where bacteria can lurk (and thus potentially making the problem worse). Lopes also recommends soaking the bottle with diluted vinegar, lemon juice or baking soda on a weekly basis for a proper deep clean. The way you dry your bottle is just as important, too: microorganisms love moisture, so putting the time in to properly wash it out without finishing the job feels self-defeating. Wylie recommends that bottles "should be left to air dry completely with the lid off". Stainless steel bottles are generally more hygienic than plastic ones, as they are less likely to develop microabrasions And if your emotional support bottle is giving off a persistent dodgy smell when you open it, has visible mould, or looks cracked or warped on the surface, Wylie says, you should ditch it entirely. When you're next shopping around, it's worth bearing in mind that "stainless steel bottles are generally more hygienic than plastic ones, as they are less likely to develop microabrasions that can harbour bacteria". Glass is another hygienic option, albeit potentially risky for the clumsier among us. Essentially, Wylie adds, as long as you're cleaning your reusable bottle, drying it thoroughly and not hanging on to it past its prime, there's no need to be having biofilm-related nightmares. And if you don't? That's your prerogative, but don't say I didn't warn you. The Independent
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Doctor's warning on how often you should clean your reusable water bottle
Your go-to water bottle could be far dirtier than you realise Most people understand the significance of staying hydrated, often opting to carry a large water bottle with them to ensure they meet their daily H2O intake, keeping you hydrated and healthy. But one doctor has issued a warning about the cleanliness of these containers. Regardless of solely using them for water, they can become a hotbed for various strains of nasty bacteria. Dr Myro Figure took to social media with a video featuring an AI voice-over, urging viewers to regularly clean their reusable bottles daily to avert bacterial build-up. The voice in the video cautioned users by saying: "If you're refilling the same water bottle every day, you might want to stop," and warned: "Your bottle is a bacteria breeding ground. Every time you take a sip, germs from your mouth, hands, and air get trapped inside." Echoing the message of the video, Dr Myro stressed the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of these bottles, emphasising that they can be just as bacteria-ridden as other unsanitary objects, reports Surrey Live. "Not gonna lie, it's probably as dirty as a toilet seat," commented Dr Myro. He cited previous research, indicating that: "There's literally an independent study showing that your water bottle has 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat." He also pointed out: "This is especially the problem with the tops of these bottles. Bacteria love to grow there." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Research conducted by WaterFilterGuru revealed that spout lid water bottles had the highest levels of bacteria, with an average of 30 million colony-forming units (CFUs) per bottle. In contrast, squeeze-top bottles were significantly cleaner, containing only approximately 3 million CFUs, a tenth of the amount found in spout lid bottles. CFUs are used to gauge the number of living microbes present in a sample. The most prevalent type of bacteria discovered was gram-negative bacteria, which can cause infections that are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, some bottles, primarily those with straw lids, were found to contain bacillus bacteria, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Dr Myro is not alone in stressing the importance of cleaning reusable water bottles. Dr Suhail Hussain, a private GP, shared his insights with the Independent, stating: "Anything that is reusable can be prone to accumulating dirt, dust or debris and, as a result, bacteria. "This is exacerbated by the fact water bottles are the ideal environment for harbouring bacteria due to being moist." He added: "These might be simple commensals such as streptococcus and staphylococcus, which normally live in symbiosis with their host (i.e. us) but can become problematic if they accumulate, or the individual is under the weather. "Bacteria such as E. coli – a common cause of urine and bowel infections – can often colonise the water bottle following repeated handling, such as taking the cap on and off." How to clean your reusable bottle When discussing the frequency of cleaning water bottles, Dr Myro advised viewers: "You really wanna wash these daily and deep clean them weekly. Not only can it make you acutely ill, but chronic exposure to mould and biofilms can cause chronic illness." In his video's caption, Dr Myro detailed the cleaning process for water bottles. "Wash daily: Scrub with warm, soapy water after each use," he instructed, highlighting the necessity of thoroughly cleaning the lid as well. "Don't forget to scrub the threads, spouts, and rubber seals where germs hide." He further advised allowing the bottle to air dry completely before resealing it to prevent bacterial growth, which thrives in moist conditions. "Deep clean weekly," he continued, suggesting the use of vinegar, baking soda, or a dishwasher cycle, if the bottle is dishwasher-safe. Dr Myro also mentioned that bottles should be cleaned more frequently if used during illness, consumed with food, or filled with sugary drinks. Lastly, he cautioned against leaving stagnant water in the bottle when not in use. "Don't leave water sitting: Empty your bottle when you're not using it," he recommended. "Keep your water bottle as fresh and clean as the water you drink!"
