SAN ANTONIO – Washing a reusable water bottle every few days may not be enough, according to health experts.
Biologists and doctors recommend washing water bottles every day, especially when they have straws, mouthpieces or any other areas where moisture can collect.
“We should clean them every day,” assistant professor of biology at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Alba Chavez, said.
Chavez said bacteria can accumulate in a bottle’s straw or mouthpiece, creating what she described as a microbiome, a community of microorganisms.
“If we don’t clean them or let them dry properly, they’re going to keep growing because they have moisture,” Chavez said.
The risk can increase when people take their bottles to places such as gyms or bathrooms, where they can be exposed to soil bacteria and potential pathogens in the environment.
“Our microbiome is harmless,” Chavez said. “But if we take the water bottle to other places, like to the bathroom or to the gym, they’re exposed to soil bacteria. They are exposed to potential pathogens from the environment, and they can grow and become pathogenic to us.”
A water bottle can also collect bacteria from the person using it. Dr. Amy Cobb, a pediatrician with University Health, said germs associated with oral health can be transferred to the bottle.
“If you have a lot of gingivitis or cavities, just keep in mind that those germs are being shared with your water bottle and it’s a moist, wet environment where bacteria can grow,” Cobb said.
Mold growth can create additional concerns. Cobb said mold spores in a bottle could trigger asthma or allergies in some people.
The recommendation applies to more than just water bottles. Parents should also regularly wash baby bottles, cups, and other reusable drink containers.
Cobb said adding anything besides water can also contribute to bacteria growing quickly.
“If you add anything that other than water to your water bottle, like flavor packets that have sugar or maybe tea or coffee, even more so you are likely to get some bacterial growth,” Cobb said.
Cobb said if you find it difficult to stay on top of washing your water bottle each day, get two and rotate them, then clean them together.
Health experts recommend washing reusable bottles with soap and water, paying close attention to straws, lids, mouthpieces, and other hard-to-reach areas. Bottles should also be dried completely before they are used again.
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