How Do I Make My Water Bottle Not Smell?

Your water bottle may seem clean and safe from any form of bacteria. However, even though it looks good, its smell can tell you otherwise. So, how do you make your water bottle not smell? In this article, you are going to learn how to remove that nasty smell from your water bottle.

How Do I Make My Water Bottle Not Smell?

If your water bottle smells, you can wash it thoroughly with warm water and soap. Use a bottle brush to clean the bottom and the edges of the water bottle properly. Washing your water bottle with soap and warm water regularly will keep those bacteria and nasty smells away. 

 

A smelly water bottle can also be caused by saliva. This may happen if you are not cleaning your water bottle properly and just refilling it every day. A water bottle that is always sealed can also be the reason why it smells. If you are not using it, allow the air to flow through it.

Natural Ways to Clean Your Water Bottle

The best way not to make your water bottle smell is to wash it thoroughly. If your water bottle is already smelly and you need to get rid of it, don’t worry because there are some ways to remove that foul smell. There are several ways you can clean your bottle naturally.

• Mild bleach and water solution
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Boiling water
• Baking soda and warm water
• White vinegar and warm water.

Mild Bleach and Water Solution

Bleach is an effective stain, odor, and dirt remover on clothes and surfaces. Surprisingly, you can also use bleach to clean and disinfect your water bottle. You just have to mix a teaspoon of bleach to a gallon or 16 cups of water. 

You can fill the water bottle with the bleach-water solution for about 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse the water bottle until the smell of the solution is gone. You can use a bottle brush if your water bottle’s mouth is too narrow or a sponge if it has a wide mouth and you can insert it with your hand. 

Clean it from the mouth to the bottom and all the crevices. Do not forget to wash the lid as well. After washing it, wipe it or let it dry naturally. Don’t forget to wash the lid as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide 

Another effective sanitizer for your water bottle is hydrogen peroxide. It can be sprayed directly onto the water bottle. Before doing this method, start by washing your water bottle with soap and water. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to stand for about 5 to 10 minutes.

After 5 to 10 minutes, you can either rinse it off with water or wipe it off with a clean cloth. Either way, you have to let it dry before putting the lid on and storing it in the drawer or cupboard.

Boiling Water

If you are not so confident about bleach or hydrogen peroxide, boiling water can also do some sanitizing in your water bottle. Soak your water bottle with boiling water overnight to kill the bacteria and remove the odor of your water bottle.

In the morning, wash it with soap and water and try to check if the odor was removed by this process. If not, repeat the process again or do the next procedure. 

Baking Soda and Warm Water

Baking soda is another effective cleaning agent because of its purifying and deodorizing ability. For this cleaning method, you have to use 2 teaspoons of baking soda and warm water. Put the 2 teaspoons of baking soda into the water bottle, then fill it up with warm water.

Allow the solution to stay overnight in your water bottle for the best results. The next day, rinse your water bottle thoroughly and see if it is successful in removing the smell. 

White Vinegar and Warm Water

Vinegar may smell awful. Surprisingly, vinegar can also be used as a cleaning agent. Because of its astringent properties, it can neutralize the smell of your water bottle. To use the white vinegar as a cleaning agent, you need to fill your water bottle with it. 

Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse the water bottle with soap and water. Let it dry. You may also mix it with warm water if you don’t want to waste too much. Allow it to stay overnight and rinse it with warm water and soap in the morning.

If you can still smell the vinegar, you can soak it with hot or boiling water overnight.

Related Questions

Is It Safe to Drink From a Smelly Water Bottle?

It is not safe to drink from a smelly water bottle every time, especially if it is unclean. It may result in stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and other diseases due to bacteria. A smelly water bottle might be caused by bacterial breeding, saliva, and improper cleaning. 

Can I Use a Plastic Water Bottle That Is Discolored and Smelly?

If you cannot remove the stain or the smell anymore, we recommend not to use that plastic water bottle again. A plastic water bottle can have scratches where bacteria can hide and cause diseases if ingested. A plastic water bottle can also smell because of the chemicals used in it.

If you want a water bottle that does not get stained easily, will not have tiny scratches for bacteria to hide, and can even prevent too much odor, a stainless steel water bottle would be your best choice. It can withstand the weather and bacterial build-up as long as it’s cleaned properly.

Can Reusable Water Bottles Make You Sick?

Reusable water bottles can make you sick if you’re not cleaning and sanitizing them properly. A reusable water bottle should be washed at least once a day, especially if you are using it outdoors. Unclean reusable water bottles can give you stomach discomfort.

Conclusion

To prevent your water bottle from having a bad smell, make sure to wash it properly. You can use some natural remedies that can be found in your kitchen to sanitize your water bottle. If all of those ways didn’t work, perhaps it’s time to find another water bottle.