How frequently should you wash your reusable water bottle? It's definitely more often than you think

It may be necessary to clean your water bottles more frequently than you realize.

A TikTok content creator known as Jacey confessed to only occasionally cleaning her reusable water bottle, which includes a straw. This admission went viral, garnering 2.7 million views and drawing criticism for the perceived lack of hygiene associated with drinking from a seldom-washed container.

Contrary to the belief of those who advocate for infrequent washing, it's important to note that reusable water bottles can indeed harbor mold and bacteria growth.

According to microbiologist and author Jason Tetro, these undesirable microorganisms and fungi thrive with just three essential elements: warmth, water, and backwash. This poses a significant issue for individuals who tend to neglect regular bottle cleaning—stainless steel bottles, in particular, provide an ideal breeding ground for germs, and they can multiply swiftly.

Tetro explained that it usually takes a few days for growth to occur, except in the case of sugar water, where it can happen within 48 hours. He recommends sanitising the bottle with boiling water after washing it with soap to effectively combat this issue.

"Typically, after about five days—coincidentally, how often most people wash their water bottles—there's a very good chance you'll have some form of growth," Tetro warned.

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