How to wash reusable bottles

A reusable bottle can have a very, very long life and accompany you on adventures as well as in your daily life. At Inuitz, we know it's a versatile and highly useful accessory, which is why we strive to offer you a selection of practical and attractive bottles, in addition to being safe.

However, there is a very important issue that we must all keep in mind: their cleaning. In fact, according to some sports specialist publications, runners and other athletes clean their water bottles much less than they should, leading to the proliferation of bacteria.

Although bacteria are almost omnipresent, we must not lose sight of the fact that they can proliferate and become a source of infections. Especially since it is an item that we always carry with us, wherever we go, and it comes into contact with hundreds of surfaces daily. That's why... here are our tips for properly using and washing reusable bottles!

Tips for proper use of your bottle

Our first tip is to wash your hands before using your water bottle; it will be a simple way to keep it free from germ buildup.

The second and most obvious tip is to wash your water bottle. By keeping it in good condition, you will be helping to generate less plastic waste, so your contribution to the good health of marine ecosystems will begin to count.

There are various ways to sanitize your bottle, which you can use depending on your circumstances. Washing your bottle at home is not the same as if you are camping with friends. Let's look at all these options!

How to clean your reusable bottle if you are camping

A common situation where we use a reusable water bottle is hiking or camping. If you are bivouacking or on a multi-day trek, you will most likely use some type of water purifier to drink safely, and you will refill the same container over and over again. Carrying dishwashing soap is not very practical in this case, nor is it good for rivers and ponds. Therefore, there are several solutions.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), six drops of conventional bleach can purify two liters of water and make it completely potable and safe. If you vigorously shake the contents and let some water pour out through the part where you put your lips and on the cap, and wait 30 minutes, you will get a somewhat more hygienic bottle and certainly safe drinking water.

How to clean your reusable bottle away from home

If you are away from home and have access to a place to pour soapy water, drop a little of it into the bottle filled with water and shake it. Then drain it and rinse it until there are no soap residues left.

How to clean your reusable bottle at home

• The quickest, most hygienic, and safest way to clean your reusable bottle is by putting it in the dishwasher: not only will it be cleaned with a specific soap for everything we use to eat, drink, and cook, but the high temperatures the water reaches will also do their part in the cleaning process. Place it without the cap and don't forget that it should also go through this process. Remember that it's the part you touch most often every time you use it and it's near where you put your lips. If it's small and you're afraid it might get lost in the dishwasher, place it inside the cutlery basket.
• Another way to be sure your bottle is clean is with a simple wash with water and dish soap. Keep your scourers and dishcloths clean and this operation will have the result you are looking for. Your bottle may be very narrow; in that case, we advise you to go to the hardware store or bazaar to get a brush for cleaning bottles and baby bottles, a very useful tool.
• Another way to leave your reusable bottle free of bacteria and microorganisms, if you suspect it needs a thorough cleaning, is by immersing it in boiling water. Obviously, not all materials lend themselves to this treatment, but glass and stainless steel are perfect candidates. A few minutes will be enough.

How to get children used to keeping their reusable bottle clean

Children use reusable bottles at school to stay hydrated throughout the day, but it's important to teach them from a young age to maintain good cleaning habits related to this accessory. It's clear that it will be harder at school, but getting them used to rinsing it lightly before refilling it and, above all, to washing it or putting it in the dishwasher when they get home will be a good idea.

Do you want to take a look at all our models, both for adults and for the little ones?

Visit our Inuitz store now!