Your water bottle is probably dirtier than you think, here’s how and how often to wash it

Health – How often do you wash your water bottle? Once a week? Once a month? Let’s be honest: never? Either way, it’s not enough.

In recent years, bottled water has become more and more popular. Better for the environment and for health than plastic bottles, they also attract with their more original design. Their main fault? They get dirty quickly and are difficult to clean.

“Mold thrives in moist environments”An immunologist studying environmental allergens at Children’s Hospital Boston, Dr. Wanda Phipattanakul, explains in an article. New York Times.

As you can see in the video at the top of the article, if the water in your bottle sits stagnant for several days, fungus can grow. According to New York TimesWe can find molds of the type Cladosporium, known for their dark green or brown appearance, Penicillium, with their blue or green hues, Aspergillus, which can develop in the form of white, yellow or green spots, or even Stachybotrys, which as black Appear. points

One wash per day

In addition to this fungus, bacteria can settle in your bottle. When you fill the container with anything other than water, they come into contact with your mouth through the neck or residue.

Don’t panic, most of these microbes are known to your body, which knows how to eliminate them. But be careful with people who have a weak immune system, for whom taking these pathogens can cause allergies, headaches or stomachaches, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology In 2016.

So, if you notice that your water bottle is dirty, wash it immediately. And even if it looks clean, it is advisable to wash your bottle daily or at least once a week.

To clean it properly, simply run warm water and soap inside, then scrub with a brush or swab. You can also put it in the dishwasher if you have one.

And if you decide to wash your bottle for the first time after reading this article, the TikTok platform is full of tips for cleaning your bottle. For example, this TikToker uses white vinegar.

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