Many numbers of people use plastic drinking bottles. Unfortunately, though, sometimes mold grows on plastic drinking bottles when they haven\’t been cleaned properly. There is no need to be concerned, however, as there are several options for removing mold from plastic drinking bottles.

We all wash dishes after every use – cups, plates, cereal bowls. However, when it comes to reusable water bottles, they tend to be in a grey area.
Using –

• White Distilled Vinegar

• Fill the plastic drinking bottle with warm water and dish soap. Replace the top and shake vigorously.
• Drain the water. Rinse with fresh water.
• Pour undiluted white distilled vinegar into the water bottle. Use a dishwashing scrub brush to scrub the plastic bottle clean. Follow with fresh water and allow to air-dry.

• Tea Tree oil
• Put two drops of tea tree oil into a water bottle and two cups of warm water. Replace the top and shake the bottle.
• Open the bottle and scrub off the mold with a dishwashing scrub brush.
• Pour out the tea tree oil solution and rinse the bottle with fresh water. Allow air-drying.

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Pour one-half cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the plastic drinking bottle that has mold. Swirl the plastic bottles to distribute hydrogen peroxide. Let sit overnight with the top off.
• Pour out the hydrogen peroxide and rinse with fresh water.
• Allow air-drying.

Can mold in a water bottle make you sick?

Yes. This is the main reason that you need to take urgent action. Drinking from a moldy water bottle can make you sick because you are swallowing mold. Mold can cause all kinds of problems including respiratory problems, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, and unexplained infections.

Does mold in a water bottle smell?

Yes, it smells. This is often one of the key indicators that mold is starting to grow. The smell will likely precede any visible signs of mold and will tell you that you need to wash your bottle urgently. When we say wash, we mean wash. We’re all guilty of doing a little rinse at the end of the day and thinking “it’s only water, what’s the harm”. However, if you do this you will notice that the mold smell in your water bottle never leaves because although you may be rinsing away any visible signs of mold, those nasty spores will still be present.

How to get rid of mold in a water bottle?

It has been ages since your water bottle was cleaned. Many have been using their water bottles without washing them thoroughly, not knowing it\’s a haven for mold infestation. Mold loves a damp environment and as such, it can be in any place with much or little moisture. You will get to know how you can clean your water bottles thoroughly so they could be free from molds.

(1) Use a water bottle cleaning brush, hot water, and dish soap
Fill your sink with hot water and dish soap. Then use a water bottle brush to reach and scrub the bottom and sides of your plastic water bottle. Turn your water bottle upside down on a drying rack to finish.

(2) Use boiling water for mold in water bottles that are metal
If you have kids and even if you don’t, you’ve probably found funky mold in water bottles shoved under car seats and in backpacks. Take any metal water bottles and fill them with boiling water to kill whatever stink or worse mold, that’s growing within. Leave overnight, and then wash the inside vigorously with soap.

(3) Drop a couple of denture cleaning tablets into a water bottle filled with warm water
Denture cleaner is also a water bottle cleaner. Let the denture cleaner solution sit overnight, and then rinse with dish soap and warm water.

(4) Use baking soda and warm water
Baking soda is a natural disinfectant that is very mild, making it the perfect ingredient to clean out any mold in water bottles without leaving behind a scent. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to a water bottle filled with warm water, and let the solution soak for a few hours before washing everything out with dish soap.

(5) Fill a bottle with white vinegar
If you’re wondering how to clean water bottles without bleach, then try white vinegar! Studies have shown that white vinegar kills 82% of mold spores, as well as viruses and bacteria, making it a killer water bottle cleaner. It also works well in plastic, like those ever-popular Camelbak water bottles. Add white vinegar to your water bottle and let it soak overnight. In the morning, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water. The vinegar scent may linger for a few hours, but it should go away by your next use.

(6) Clean the inside of a reusable straw with a pipe cleaner
Pour dish soap directly onto a pipe cleaner and push it through a grimy straw. Rinse thoroughly. If your straw is wide, use two pipe cleaners twisted together.

(7) Clean a hydration pack reservoir with bleach or baking soda and water

• Add two tablespoons of baking soda or bleach to your Camelbak water bottle reservoir and fill with hot water.
• Seal the reservoir and mix the solution inside by shaking or pushing the water around.
• Hold the bladder above your head and pinch the bite valve, allowing the water solution to run through the tube. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
• Wash the reservoir with hot water and mild dish soap, scrubbing the hydration pack with a bottle brush if needed.
• Air dry so no moisture is trapped inside.

(8) Freeze an empty CamelBak water bottle reservoir to avoid mold growth in between uses
Just remember to take the silicone bite valve off your water bottle reservoir before sticking it in the freezer to avoid freezing any stranded water, which might cause the valve to expand and crack. Do this after a big clean and you’ll be set.

(9) Scrub away grime or mold in water bottles with rice
If you don’t have a water bottle brush, use rice, warm water, and a small amount of dish soap. Attach the lid, or cover the opening with your hand and shake. The rice will help remove any residue from the sides and bottom of your bottle.

(10) Soak water bottle lids in a bleach and baking soda solution

• Add one teaspoon of baking soda and a half teaspoon of bleach to a glass bowl, and fill with warm water.
• Stir to combine.
• Place your water bottle lid and any small parts that can easily be removed and replaced into the bowl. You may have to use a plate to weigh everything down.
• Allow the pieces to sit for 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Rinse and thoroughly wash with dish soap.
• Air-dry the lid pieces with the valve open.

(11) Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to clean tight spaces in a water bottle\’s lid
If you can, remove any of your water bottle lid’s parts and get into the crevices with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.