How to keep water bottles clean and bacteria free

One part of our sports kits that often gets overlooked is the humble water bottle.

Be it a metal or plastic bottle, these need a little love and attention.  Whatever your sport, water is key to keeping hydrated while training or playing a match. It keeps you hydrated and is kind to your teeth. Not drinking enough water can leave you feeling tired and unable to concentrate.

Water bottles can often be neglected and left in sports bags until the next training session comes around. What’s more, water bottles often get thrown on the sidelines where they can be dirty and muddy. So to prevent any bacteria lurking in your bottles, you should clean them after each use. Here’s our advice:

Wash water bottles in the dishwasher at 60 degrees Celsius (if the bottle is dishwasher safe), or in warm, soapy water, making sure to scrub off any debris.
Pay particular attention to the mouth spout.
Always use clean dishcloths, scrubbers and tea towels. If they are dirty, they provide a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Drying is just as important as washing. Be sure bottles are completely dry before storing them so that there’s no build-up of mould from dampness.
To stop dust or dirt from gathering, store the bottle upside down or with a cover on.

It’s a good idea to label your bottle with your name so that others don’t mistake it for their own.