Thanks to reusable water bottles becoming quite trendy over the past couple of decades, wasteful single-use water bottles have become much less popular—which is great news for the environment, since reusable bottles are much more eco-friendly than their disposable counterparts.
That said, over the years, I’ve collected a number of reusable water bottles in all different materials, ranging from stainless steel to glass to plastic. And even though I acquired each of those bottles with a goal of reducing plastic waste, many of these reusable vessels inevitably wound up in the trash, and always for the same reason: mildew buildup.
It feels like no matter how often I wash my reusable water bottles, they always turn into breeding grounds for mold and mildew—especially when it comes to stainless steel bottles.
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But why exactly is this? Is it possible to prevent this mold buildup? And more importantly, is there a way to bring moldy reusable bottles back from the dead?
To find out, we consulted with cleaning expert Ahmed Mezil, the Founder and CEO of Hellamaid, a Canadian cleaning service. Below, Mezil shares his No. 1 tip for cleaning mildew and mold from your water bottles, as well as a few ways to prevent it from ever building up again. Keep reading for his insights.
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How to Clean Mold and Mildew From Your Water Bottle’s Lid, Straw and Seals
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“Bottles that are not allowed to fully dry can lead to mold developing inside,” Mezil explains. He adds that “mold can be many different colors. Just because it’s black, doesn’t mean it’s black mold.”
Mold and mildew can build up in reusable water bottles composed of any material, including stainless steel, glass and plastic.
“Stainless steel water bottles have many hiding spots for mold because of the crevices in the seals and lids,” Mezil says. “Scratches in plastic water bottles can make mold growth and development harder to fully clean.”
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Is It Safe to Drink From a Reusable Water Bottle With Mold or Mildew In It?
“It’s best not to drink from a water bottle that has mold growing in it,” says Mezil, adding that consuming “mold can cause an allergic reaction or other digestive issues.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, drinking from a water bottle with mold growing inside can lead to allergic reactions (like sneezing or a runny nose), stomach cramps, diarrhea, trouble breathing and even infections.
“If a water bottle has a musty or moldy odor and is looking moldy, it’s best to clean it before use,” Mezil says.
How to Clean Mold and Mildew From a Reusable Water Bottle
View this post on InstagramAccording to Mezil, the trick to getting a mildewy water bottle clean lies in the bottle’s crevices. It’s vital to frequently and thoroughly clean anything with grooves, including the lid, the silicone gasket and the straw.
This is because mold is more likely to build up in these small indentations, meaning extra elbow grease and frequent scrubbing are needed to get them clean.
“To remove mold, you can remove the silicone gasket from the lid and clean it,” he says. Then, use “dish soap to clean the other parts of the water bottle. You can scrub the gasket grooves and other moldy areas” using a toothbrush, which will help get into small spaces.
Mezil’s personal recommendation for dish soap is from the brand ECOS, as these soaps rely on plant-derived cleaners that can break down grease and food residue.
“This method uses dish soap to break down residue and then physically removes buildup using a toothbrush,” he explains. Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed away all the mold, Mezil says it’s important to rinse the parts with warm water; then, let them dry completely before putting them back together and using your bottle again.
“The dirtiest part of a water bottle is often the part that you do not remove,” he warns. “Simply rinsing a water bottle does not mean that the lid is clean.”
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What to Do If You Can’t Clean All the Mildew From a Water Bottle Cap
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to completely clean mold that has been building up in crevices, especially if the problem has been going on for a while—and because of the potential health risks of drinking from a moldy water bottle, in extreme cases, you may need to throw your lid away.
“If mold is in the seals, it will have to be replaced,” Mezil says. Fortunately, some water bottle companies do sell replacement caps and rubber gaskets, which means you won’t have to replace the entire bottle.
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How to Prevent Mildew Buildup in Reusable Water Bottles
View this post on InstagramTo prevent your bottle from becoming a breeding ground for mildew and bacteria, it’s important to wash it after every day that you use it, as Dr. Yuriko Fukuta, MD, PhD, explained to Everyday Health.
Dr. Fukuta also noted the importance of taking apart your bottle’s lid and using warm water and dish soap to properly clean your bottle—every time. Unfortunately, a quick rinse with cold water is not enough. You could also put it in the dishwasher every now and then, as long as it’s dishwasher-safe.
Mezil adds that “the best way to prevent mold is to completely dry the bottle” after each wash—which, again, should involve disassembling any gaskets or straws from the lid every time.
“People can prevent buildup by keeping their water bottles and seals clean,” Mezil says. “Leaving a bottle or seal damp will cause mold to return.”
Additionally, if you use your bottle for anything other than water, keeping it clean may be even harder.
“Bottles that have sugary or flavored drinks should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent mold,” Mezil advises.
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Sources:
Ahmed Mezil, the Founder and CEO of Hellamaid. Your Water Bottle May Be Growing Mold: Here’s How To Prevent It. Cleveland Clinic. How Often Should I Wash My Water Bottle? Everyday Health.Hence then, the article about mildew in your water bottle a cleaning expert explains what to do before your next sip was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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