PanPebbles
4-in-1 Bottle Gap Cleaner Brush
A long-handled bottle brush with small tools for lids, spouts and grooves.
Price soon
ViewHow to Clean a Water Bottle and Its Lid
A reusable bottle is only as good as the last time it was properly cleaned. Most problems are hiding in the lid, the spout and the rubber seal, not in the bottle itself.
Published:
1. Take it apart
Unscrew the lid and remove every part you can: straw, gasket, spout cap. Check the manufacturer's instructions for what comes off. Mould and residue gather where parts meet, so cleaning only the outside of the assembled bottle misses them.
2. Wash with hot water and washing-up liquid
Fill the bottle with hot, soapy water, shake it, and use a long bottle brush to scrub the bottom and the sides. Do the same with the lid, using a small brush or cleaning tool for the threads, the spout and any grooves. Rinse everything thoroughly until no soap is left.
3. Let it dry completely
Leave the bottle and all parts to air dry, upside down, with the lid off. Closing a damp bottle is the quickest way to get a musty smell.
4. Deal with smells and stains
For a smell or tea and coffee stains, fill the bottle with warm water and a spoonful of baking soda, or a mix of water and a splash of white vinegar, and let it stand for a few hours before washing as normal. Never mix vinegar with bleach. Check the maker's instructions first, since some bottles and finishes do not like certain cleaners.
5. Replace worn seals
If a rubber gasket is cracked, stained or stays smelly after cleaning, replace it. Many brands sell spare seals and lids.
How often?
Rinse after each use and wash properly at least once a day if you drink anything other than plain water. Sugary drinks, protein shakes and milk leave residue faster and need cleaning straight away.