Wellness Weekly: When was the last time you cleaned your water bottle? 

When was the last time you cleaned your water bottle? – from the Live Well, Work Well Newsletter 

Your reusable water bottle may carry some dirty secrets: bacteria, buildup and mold. If you don’t properly clean your reusable water bottle – and its cap, straw or other parts – at the end of each day, you’re putting yourself at risk of getting sick. Ideally, if you use your water bottle regularly, you should wash it daily and give it a deep cleaning once a week. Try these cleaning tips: 

  • Put it in the dishwasher. If your reusable bottle is dishwasher-safe, disassemble it and run the dishwasher at its hottest wash and dry setting to kill any bacteria. 
  • Wash with soap and water. You can effectively wash your bottle by hand with hot water and liquid dish soap. 
  • Use vinegar. This is a good option if you haven’t washed your bottle in a while and there’s a slimy film or odor in your bottle. Fill the bottle halfway with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. With the cap on, shake it quickly and let it sit overnight. The next day, rinse the bottle and let it dry. 

There are a variety of wellness opportunities happening in February. Learn more online.