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Bacteria Grows Incredibly Fast in Your Water Bottle. Here’s How You Should Be Cleaning It Every Day

There are a lot of things we should probably clean more often than we do (looking at you fridge water dispenser, Keurig, and oven). Your stainless steel water bottle is one of those things. If you’re not cleaning your bottle properly on a regular basis, the benefits you're getting from staying hydrated are tainted by grim and bacteria. And you probably need to do it a lot more often than you think. For starters, you need to clean your stainless steel water bottle at least once a day. Yup. And there's a method to it. Here, everything you need to know about cleaning your stainless steel water bottle.

Why Stainless Steel Water Bottles Need Regular Cleaning

The moment you take your first sip of water, you’re automatically transferring bacteria down to the water inside the bottle; that’s just what happens with anything you touch with your mouth. Plus, water already has some bacteria and the moisture inside the bottle creates an ideal environment for bacteria, mold, and slimy buildup to grow. This slimy buildup creates a space for more bacteria to multiply in the thousands within hours, and we are not exaggerating. That’s why it's critical to clean your stainless steel water bottle daily.

What You’ll Need to Clean a Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The good news is that cleaning your stainless steel water bottle isn’t complicated, but you do need to be meticulous and use the right supplies.

Everyday household supplies

Warm water, a soft sponge, and dish soap can be used to clean stainless steel water bottles. For a more in-depth cleaning, vinegar and baking soda can also be used.

Bottle brushes and specialty tools

For tall, compact water bottles, you may need to invest in a bottle brush to reach the bottom and a straw brush, too. Yes, you should be cleaning the inside of the straw, too. You can easily get a bottle brush kit that includes a straw brush and other brushes to thoroughly clean your stainless steel water bottle.

What not to use on stainless steel

Avoid using metal, coarse-bristle brushes, steel wool, or abrasive cleansers, which can scratch the inside and outside of the bottle. Also, limit the use of any chlorine- or bleach-based products.

If your stainless steel water bottle travels everywhere with you, it's getting exposed to a lot of germs.

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How to Clean a Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Daily Cleaning)

Yes, you should clean your stainless steel water bottle and let it air dry every day. No worries, here’s how you do it.

Marisol Rivera, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin, recommends the following process for daily cleaning:

Dump the contents of your bottle and fill it half full of warm water and add a couple of drops of mild dish soap.
Then, shake the bottle back and forth for 15-20 seconds.
Use a soft-bristle bottle brush to clean all areas of the inside of the bottle and the mouthpiece/lid area. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the straw, too.
Finally, wash your hands and rinse the bottle thoroughly and let it air dry completely with the lid removed.

How to Deep Clean a Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Of course, we've all gone many days without washing our water bottle (right? right?). No shame here. But what this means is that you need to give your stainless steel water bottle a deep cleaning. There are a couple of ways to do a deep cleaning, but first, wash everything with warm water and soap, following the steps above, then try the below cleaning methods.

Baking soda method

Yes, baking soda is the way to go when you need to deep-clean your water bottle. Add two tablespoons of baking soda to the water bottle, then fill it with hot water and close it. Give it a good shake, then let it sit for eight hours or more. Then, wash the bottle and all of the pieces with dish soap and let them dry.

Vinegar soak method

Add equal parts white vinegar and warm water to the water bottle. Close it and shake well. Let the mixture sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Wash the bottles and all pieces with dish soap and let them dry.

Using vinegar along with baking soda to clean your water bottle is an effective way to remove odors and bad taste. You need to follow the same directions, just let the mixture sit overnight. A vinegar and baking soda solution also helps remove metallic, coffee, tea, and other sugary drink flavors from your water bottle.

Can You Put a Stainless Steel Water Bottle in the Dishwasher?

One of the most effective ways to clean your stainless steel water bottle is by using the dishwasher. However, not all stainless steel water bottles can be put in the dishwasher. So make sure to read your bottle care instructions to check if the bottle and lid are dishwasher safe. Alternatively, see the bottom of the bottle to see if it reads “dishwasher safe.” When in doubt, skip the dishwasher and wash by hand. “If your bottle is dishwasher-safe, wash it on the highest temperature possible, as heat is effective in killing mold spores,” Rivera states.

How Often You Should Clean Your Water Bottle

Experts recommend cleaning your water bottle on a daily basis if you use it every day. Your water will taste fresh, have fewer bacteria, and have a reduced risk of developing mold.

Daily rinse vs weekly deep clean

Cleaning your water bottle daily requires only warm water and dish soap to keep all parts of the bottle clean. However, it is recommended to give your stainless steel water bottle a deep cleaning once a week with vinegar and baking soda, especially if you have consumed sugary or flavored drinks.

Extra cleaning after sugary or flavored drinks

If you put more than water in your stainless steel water bottle, you should give it a deep cleaning after each use. Sugary and flavored drinks leave residues and their flavors penetrate the inside of the bottle, where dish soap won’t remove them. Rivera recommends cleaning your water bottle “right away if you have consumed anything other than plain water, as sugar residue promotes bacterial growth.”

Stainless Steel Water Bottle Cleaning FAQs

Is mold dangerous in water bottles?

Over time, there can be enough mold and bacteria buildup that can lead to an infection, an allergic reaction, or other type of illness. Cleaning and letting it air dry daily reduces the risk of mold and bacterial growth.

If you haven’t washed yours in a while, Rivera recommends to “stop using the water bottle immediately and do not consume any beverages from it.”

If your bottle is dishwasher-safe, she suggests washing it on the highest temperature possible, “as heat is effective in killing mold spores.”

If it’s not dishwasher-safe, you should hand-wash it by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar and filling it to the top with hot water.

“Allow the bottle to sit for several hours (the longer the better),” she adds. “Scrub the entire bottle with a bottle brush, paying special attention to the underside of the lid and the spout as mold likes to hide in these areas.”

Can stainless steel rust?

Yes, stainless steel can rust. However, it is one of the most resistant materials to rust and if cared for properly, stainless steel won’t rust. That’s why it is important to avoid metal scrubbers when cleaning your stainless steel water bottle, as they can scratch the bottle, making it more prone to rust. Also, avoid harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, and salty water, which can affect stainless steel.

Why does my bottle smell even after washing?

Your bottle most likely smells even after you wash it because bacteria, mold, or a film is trapped in the bottle, the rubber gasket, or other parts of the bottle. You need to deep-clean every part of the bottle, soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda, and let it sit overnight. After, wash all parts with dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry completely.

How long do stainless steel bottles last?

Stainless steel bottles are durable and resistant; with proper care, they can last a long time.