Water bottle-mania, some cleaning tips.

The impact of plastic on our Planet is heavy. The now infamous plastic islands in the middle of the ocean, landfills as far as the eye can see, and the latest discoveries of the presence of micro-plastics in marine fauna, have pushed us all to make increasingly conscious and eco-sustainable choices. 

Water bottles are undoubtedly a smart choice that could make a big contribution to the reduction of plastic bottles, but it is important to take some precautions and above all to keep them clean.

What to put in the flasks?

As a rule, only still water should be put in water bottles, unless there are specific indications that it can be used with other drinks, such as tea, water and carbonated drinks. 

It should be borne in mind that carbonated drinks are acidic and could corrode the materials of which the water bottle is made. 

Better make sure to choose materials such as glass, tritan, polypropylene or better still, food-grade stainless steel. In the latter case, simply check on the packaging that it is marked 'Stainless Steel 18/8' or '304'.

Other materials such as copper and aluminium do not have any particular contra-indications, but special care must be taken when choosing drinks and cleaning. 

How to clean a water bottle?

Cleaning the water bottle depends on the material it is made of and you should definitely refer to the manufacturer's instructions. As a general rule, it is highly recommended: clean the water bottle every day and always dry it before closing it with its cap.

Simply place a few drops of dishwashing detergent diluted in water inside the flask, close it and shake it vigorously to ensure that the detergent reaches every corner. 

Then rinse it repeatedly and thoroughly to remove any residue.

If specified on the packaging, it can also be washed in the dishwasher, while more thorough sanitising is recommended once a week. 

If the water bottle is made of stainless steel, simply leave one-fifth of white vinegar or one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and four-fifths of water inside it overnight; if it is made of aluminium, avoid acidic substances and use only non-aggressive detergents. Rinse it the next day, use the bottle brush to reach all points. 

Don't forget to sanitise the cap and threads as well.