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Reusable bottles contain 'more bacteria than toilet seats'
Reusable bottles contain 'more bacteria than toilet seats'
Reusable water bottles tick many boxes. Not only do they help you stay hydrated and help save money, but they also help cut down on single-use plastic. They've almost become a fashion accessory, with chic stainless steel flasks and viral bottles going viral across TikTok. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Trying to hit the NHS-recommended eight glasses of water a day for adults is an excellent idea, of course, but did you know there’s one way your refillable bottle could potentially be detrimental to your health? According to a study from waterfilterguru.com, reusable water bottles contain an average of 20.8m colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria, which equates to 40,000 times more than the microbes on a toilet seat. So what might be the consequences if you continuously sip and refill without washing your bottle properly between uses? We asked health experts to talk through the risks… Bottling up bacteria “A common misconception when it comes to reusable water bottle hygiene is that as you’re typically filling it with pure water and it’s only coming into contact with your own mouth, there’s little need to clean it often,” says Dr Donald Grant, senior clinician at The Independent Pharmacy. However, every time you drink from the bottle, you’re transferring bacteria from your mouth, which can then multiply in the container. “Anything that is reusable can be prone to accumulating dirt, dust or debris and, as a result, bacteria,” says private GP Dr Suhail Hussain. “This is exacerbated by the fact water bottles are the ideal environment for harbouring bacteria due to being moist.” Hard-to-reach crevices – for example, inside a screw top or under a flip-up straw – could also develop mould, and then there’s contamination from other sources. “When you store it in a gym bag, for instance, it can pick up bacteria from the interior of the bag or anything else stored in it, while you can also transfer bacteria from your hands to your bottle,” says Grant. “If your bottle has a valve cap, you may need to lift or twist it with your fingers, and this can transfer bacteria you may have picked up from touching other objects or surfaces.” What types of microbes are found in water bottles? “These might be simple commensals such as streptococcus and staphylococcus, which normally live in symbiosis with their host (i.e. us) but can become problematic if they accumulate or the individual is under the weather,” Hussain says. “Bacteria such as E. coli – a common cause of urine and bowel infections – can often colonise the water bottle following repeated handling, such as taking the cap on and off.” These bacteria can potentially cause a variety of issues. “You may become sick and develop gastric illness, such as diarrhoea or vomiting,” Hussain continues. “Gram negative rods – another common bacterium found in unwashed bottles – can lead to urogenital tract infections and pneumonia.” Grant warns: “If there’s a build-up of mould inside the bottle, this can cause allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, or red and itchy eyes. Symptoms might be more severe for someone with asthma.” How often should you wash your reusable water bottle? “To minimise your risk of getting sick, you should ideally clean your water bottle after each use,” Grant says. “As a minimum, you should aim to wash it thoroughly at least a few times a week.” Hot water and washing up liquid are all you need to banish bacteria on a daily. “Fill the bottle with hot soapy mixture and swill around, or leave to soak in a detergent mixture,” Hussain advises. “Remember to pay special attention to lids/caps and screw top regions – use a clean brush [to scrub them].” If you’ve neglected your bottle for a few days and it needs a deeper clean, Grant suggests: “Soak your bottle overnight in a solution of half vinegar and half water. Rinse the bottle and let it dry fully before using it again.” Storage is also important to help minimise nasty microbes. “Where possible, you should keep your water bottle out of germ-rich environments such as your gym locker or sports bag,” Grant says. “You should also avoid filling your bottle with anything other than water, such as protein shakes, energy drinks, or sugar-rich liquids, as sugar can stimulate the growth of bacteria.” Hussain adds: “Don’t leave a water bottle in the sun for long periods or sitting in the cup holder in the car – the mixture of warmth and moisture is likely to make bacterial overgrowth worse.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-06-24 17:21
Retrial delayed for man whose conviction in the death of former NFL player Will Smith was overturned
Retrial delayed for man whose conviction in the death of former NFL player Will Smith was overturned
A long-awaited retrial has been delayed for the man who fatally shot former NFL star Will Smith in a confrontation after a 2016 traffic crash
2023-09-19 03:57
Navy finds 'perfect storm' of problems in elite Seals course
Navy finds 'perfect storm' of problems in elite Seals course
A Navy report found trainees in the elite unit were at risk of injuries or death in a gruelling course.
2023-05-27 01:23
Jake Paul asks Bradley Martyn to 'man up' while challenging him to 'street fight' Mike Perry, fans say 'make it happen'
Jake Paul asks Bradley Martyn to 'man up' while challenging him to 'street fight' Mike Perry, fans say 'make it happen'
What was the offer given to Bradly Martyn? Keep reading to find out what Jake Paul said
2023-08-06 20:48
US navy secretary says Australian multination military exercise demonstrates unity to China
US navy secretary says Australian multination military exercise demonstrates unity to China
U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro says the major multination military training exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia sends a message to China that America’s allies are cooperating to defend their security and democratic values
2023-07-21 17:48
GoFundMe for murdered Serenity Hawley smashes goal as community mourns passing of bright light
GoFundMe for murdered Serenity Hawley smashes goal as community mourns passing of bright light
Serenity Hawley's ex-boyfriend and fellow high-schooler was reportedly harassing and blackmailing her prior to the incident
2023-11-11 14:46
'Everything stated is 100% false': Lil Tay's father Christopher Hope speaks out amid allegations that he faked YouTuber's death
'Everything stated is 100% false': Lil Tay's father Christopher Hope speaks out amid allegations that he faked YouTuber's death
Lil Tay’s parents have been involved in an ugly custody battle for years
2023-09-28 03:16
PewDiePie and wife Marzia celebrate fourth wedding anniversary, fans say they set the bar 'way too high'
PewDiePie and wife Marzia celebrate fourth wedding anniversary, fans say they set the bar 'way too high'
Marzia Kjellberg, who has been married to PewDiePie for four years, recently shared family photos
2023-09-02 14:18
Polish probe into 'Russian influence' angers EU
Polish probe into 'Russian influence' angers EU
Opposition MPs say the new panel probing Russia links aims to bar its leader Donald Tusk from office.
2023-05-30 18:19
'Anxiety' racks Israeli hostage families as army assaults Gaza
'Anxiety' racks Israeli hostage families as army assaults Gaza
The families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip have been racked with worry for
2023-10-28 18:26
Browns defensive players robbed of jewelry, vehicle by masked men in downtown stickup
Browns defensive players robbed of jewelry, vehicle by masked men in downtown stickup
Two Cleveland Browns defensive players were robbed at gun point by six masked men outside a downtown night club, according to police
2023-06-07 00:19
Russia's Lavrov: Ukraine conflict will not end until West drops plans to defeat Moscow
Russia's Lavrov: Ukraine conflict will not end until West drops plans to defeat Moscow
The armed confrontation in Ukraine will continue until the West gives up plans to dominate and defeat Moscow,
2023-07-12 11:17