How to Sanitize Water Bottles

Water bottles can easily be re-used to reduce the amount of plastic bottles thrown into the trash. When re-using any type of food or drink container, you want to clean and sanitize the bottles after each use to get rid of residue and bacteria. To properly sanitize and disinfect, you need to use either a chemical disinfectant, or you also have the option to use a natural disinfectant. Both kill bacteria, so it is your choice to use the item that best suits your preference.

• 1

  Fill your sink with 2 qt. warm water, 1 tsp. dish soap and either 2 tbsp. white vinegar or 2 tbsp. chlorine bleach. Both the vinegar and bleach work as disinfectants, but the vinegar is a natural bacteria killer as opposed to the chemically-based bleach. The dish soap adds a cleaning element.

• 2

  Dip the water bottles in the solution and roll them around, allowing the water to get on the inside and outside of the bottles. Keep the bottles in the water for about one minute.

• 3

  Dip a cleaning rag in the water and rub over the lips of the bottles to remove any stuck-on residue.

• 4

  Rinse the water bottles out with hot water and allow to air dry.