Our water bottles can become infested with mold and bacteria. Here's how to keep up with your water bottle and avoid drinking contaminated water.

You know the feeling: You glance in your water bottle and your stomach sinks when you realize you haven't washed it in...quite some time. Experts recommend washing water bottles after every use, plus doing deep cleans every once in a while to prevent contaminants from forming in them.

Before you freak out over what you may have accidentally ingested over the years, there's no time like the present to make a change and master a new cleaning routine. Below, discover exactly how to clean a water bottle, as well as how to clean lids and straws and spot mold.

The need-to-knows:

Ideally, you'll clean your water bottle after every use: Since reusable bottles can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, it's smart to clean yours with a gentle, nontoxic cleaner after every use.

With bottles, drying is key: Mold forms in damp environments, so you should always wipe down your water bottle with a microfiber cloth and let it air dry completely after each cleaning.

White vinegar and baking soda can help with deeper cleans: Soaking your bottle with ingredients like baking soda solutions and white vinegar can help lift any stains and odors that accumulate over time.

Read the full article here:  https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-clean-water-bottle