Reusable water bottles are more popular than ever, which is an incredibly good thing. Not only do they save us money, but they’re also significantly better for the environment.
They’re convenient, often stylish, and they help us keep our water intake levels where they should be. However, they can also harbor germs and bacteria if you don’t wash them often enough.
Honestly, how many times have you stopped to think, “I really should wash this soon” about your water bottle? Do you actually wash it every time you think about it? Most of us don’t, but we probably should.
According to a recent study published by a group of researchers from Brazil, our water bottles accumulate lots of germs. And it’s especially true of those we take with us to the gym.
The scientists tested 30 clean shaker bottles and 30 belonging to folks who take them to the gym. Of the used bottles, 83 percent of them were contaminated with bacteria – including staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.
It isn’t all that surprising to find such common bacteria on used water bottles. After all, E. coli is normally found in our gut even when we’re healthy. (Some strains can cause illness, but not all.) Staph bacteria, while it can cause infections, is also quite common. Even healthy people can have staph bacteria present on their skin or in their nose.
Regardless, do you want to be drinking out of a bottle that could be crawling with staph or E. coli?
Ideally, you should wash your bottle following every use, though you should at least wash it daily. Additionally, metal and glass bottles are more bacteria resistant than those made of plastic.
Luckily, most bottles are dishwasher safe, though you should check yours to be sure. Often it will say on the bottom of the bottle, or, alternatively, you can check the brand’s website. Don’t have access to a dishwasher?
Add a few drops of soap and a bit of warm water to your bottle and shake it. Use a soapy sponge to also scrub the cap and straw if your bottle has one. Then, rinse everything thoroughly.
It’s certainly worth noting that most of the contamination doesn’t come from drinking out of your bottle. Rather, the researcher’s found that it mostly comes from handling the bottle. In other words, in addition to washing your bottle, you should also be washing your hands.
You should always wash your hands thoroughly after working out, after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, and after using the restroom.
