Last Updated on March 16, 2023 by The Health Master
Reusable water bottles and bacteria
According to a recent study conducted by waterfilterguru.com in the US, reusable water bottles can carry 40,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat, earning them the nickname “portable Petri dishes“.
The study analyzed three different parts of water bottles – spout lid, straw lid, and squeeze-top lid – and found two types of bacteria present: Gram-negative rods and bacillus.
Comparison with Other Household Items
The study also compared the number of bacteria found on water bottles to other household items.
The findings showed that reusable bottles contain twice as many bacteria as a kitchen sink, four times more than a computer mouse, and 14 times more than a pet’s drinking bowl.
Are the Bacteria Dangerous?
While water bottles can harbor high numbers of bacteria, University of Reading microbiologist Dr. Simon Clarke stated that the bacteria present in water bottles are likely to be the same as those found in people’s mouths.
Therefore, it’s not necessarily dangerous to drink from a reusable water bottle.
Which Type of Bottle is the Safest?
The study found that squeeze-top bottles were the cleanest of the three styles tested, with only one-tenth of the amount of bacteria as water bottles with a screw-top or straw-fitted lid.
How Often Should Water Bottles Be Cleaned?
Experts recommend washing reusable water bottles at least once a day with hot soapy water and sanitizing them at least once a week.
However, it’s important to increase the frequency of cleaning if you’ve been sick, drink from the bottle while eating, or fill it with something other than water.
Summary
Reusable water bottles can contain a high number of bacteria, but it’s not necessarily dangerous to drink from them.
To keep them clean, it’s important to wash them daily and sanitize them weekly, especially after being sick or using them for non-water drinks.
Choosing a squeeze-top bottle may also help reduce the amount of bacteria present.
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