How to Use Reusable Water Bottles

Single-use water bottles may be convenient, but they are harmful for human and environmental health. Most plastic bottles aren't recycled, and manufacturing new ones uses fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. The plastic used in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles leaches chemicals into water with repeated use, and it is believed to be carcinogenic. Reusable water bottles are a much greener, cheaper and healthier choice, and require very little maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap, baking soda or lemon
• Toothbrush

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose an aluminum or stainless steel bottle with no plastic liner. Metal bottles are extremely durable, keep water cooler and don't leach chemicals into drinking water. If you must use a plastic bottle, choose one that doesn't contain bisphenol A (BPA).

• 2

  Wash bottles after each use. Run them in the dishwasher on the top rack, or soak them in a solution of hot water and liquid soap, baking soda or lemon to kill bacteria. Remove lids before washing bottles, and wash both bottle and lid.

• 3

  Air dry bottles and lids to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.

• 4

  Remove mold by scrubbing the bottle's rubber seal with a sterilized toothbrush. After scrubbing mold, rinse the bottle and wash it with either liquid soap, baking soda or lemon in a hot-water solution.