The bottle that your kids carry with themselves can be a host to bacteria, mold, and other germs, if not cleaned properly.
The best stainless steel water bottle for kids takes care of your little one’s health and hydration but only when it is clean. And let’s face the truth. Most of us don’t clean water bottles regularly. As soon as our kids take the last sip, we refill the bottle and hand it over to them again.
Why do we underrate the importance of cleaning our water bottles when clearly it is the most important thing to do? The bottle goes with your kid whether they go to school, playground, picnic, or dance classes. It keeps the water cold for hours and keeps kids hydrated on the go. And the only thing we need to do is to keep the bottle clean. Even experts say that you should wash a water bottle after every use.
Apart from the stainless steel water bottles, there are many other reusable water bottles available for kids. You can easily find kids’ water bottles in a range of designs, colors, shapes, and sizes. Each bottle requires a proper cleaning to keep the hygienic level at the top and keep the kids hydrated in the most healthy way.
To make sure your kids drink from a safe, clean vessel, check out the water bottle cleaning tips below:
Dishwasher – the easiest way
The bottles that are dishwasher safe are easier to clean. After using the bottle, toss it in the dishwasher. Don’t forget to open the lid and keep it separately for precise cleaning. If your water bottle is not dishwasher safe or you don’t have a dishwasher at home, below are other tips you can follow.
Liquid Dish Soap
For daily washes, using liquid dish soap can be a better option. Once you are done using the water bottle, fill it with warm water and add a few drops of liquid dish wash. Place the cap and give the bottle a pretty good shake. The dish soap and water will create some bubbles inside that you can dump.
Now, take a bottle scrub to clean the inside of the bottle properly. Don’t forget to wash the exterior of the bottle too. When you are done with the scrubbing part, wash the bottle under running water until all the soap is washed out. Keep the bottle upside down so that it can air dry and become ready for the next use.
Baking Soda and Bleach
If your kid’s water bottle is demanding a thorough cleaning, using this method can be a wiser option. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of bleach. Mix it and pour the mixture into the water bottle. Now, fill it with water. A solution will be created that you can use to scrub the bottle inside out and even the cap. Let the bottle sit for a night, and in the morning, rinse it with lukewarm water. In case your water bottle is dishwasher safe, we recommend you run it through a cycle. Let it dry, and the bottle will be ready for use.
Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar is an efficient cleaning agent. Fill up your bottle with half vinegar and half water. Place the cap and give the bottle a few good shakes. After that, leave the bottle for a night. The next day in the morning, drain the liquid and wash the bottle and cap thoroughly with warm water. Let it dry. This method works well for a stainless steel water bottle.
3% hydrogen peroxide
If your kids’ water bottles have a slimy or bad smell, this cleaning method will work like magic. First, clean the water bottle properly with soap and water. Then pour about one-fourth cup of hydrogen peroxide in it and close the lid. Now, shake the bottle strongly, pour out the content, and rinse it with warm water until all the hydrogen peroxide is gone. This method is best for disinfecting the bottle and makes it sparkly clean.
Water cleaning tablets
Using water cleaning tablets is another easy method to clean water bottles. Fill the bottle with water, drop the tablets in as mentioned on the package, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. After that, rinse out your bottle, and it is good to go for the next use.
Use Rice to Disinfect
This is another unique and easy way to disinfect your kid’s water bottle. First, fill the bottle with water, then add 3 tablespoons of rice, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Close the bottle, give it a good shake and keep it still for five minutes. After that, rinse it.
To clean the exterior of the bottle, you can use liquid dish wash and a sponge. To disinfect the cap, pour a few drops of liquid soap on it and use a toothbrush to scrub the surface. Now wash it under running water. The cap is ready to keep the drink safe and hygienic.
CLEANING DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOTTLES
Water bottle with a straw
Water bottles with a straw and unique lids are a little complex to clean. But this method will make their cleaning easier. You can begin with removing the soft plastic bite valve from the lid. Now, separate each component of the water bottle and place them in the dishwasher and run a cycle. For the valve, you can use a straw brush or cotton swab that reaches inside the valve. Pour some soapy liquid and scrub the inside of the straw and then rinse it. After cleaning, let all the components dry thoroughly before reassembling.
A travel mug
Travel mugs are generally used for hot drinks. To wash the travel mug of your kid, you can put it in the dishwasher, but make sure to place it on the top rack. However, if the mug is not dishwasher safe, a hand wash is the only way to clean it thoroughly. To do so, remove the rubber seal from the lid and wash the lid with warm soapy water. Rinse the bottle properly to make it ready for another shot.
Tumbler with a Straw
A tumbler can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher. The thing that needs special cleaning is the straw. To clean it properly, buy a straw brush and use soapy water to scrub the straw inside out. Then rinse it pretty well until all the soap is gone.
Final Thoughts
Water bottles are your kids’ constant hydration partner. To make them hygienic as well, ensure their proper cleaning.
Whether your water bottle is stainless steel, glass, plastic, or made from another hard material, it’s important to clean it at the end of each day. Bacteria and mold can build up within the water bottle in a moist environment, and you definitely don’t want your child to drink bacteria-laden water.
To ensure a perfect cleaning of your kid’s water bottle, use the tips mentioned above. With the best quality stainless steel water bottle and its precise cleaning daily, you can give your child the perfect hydration and keep them happy and healthy.
If you have any queries or questions, do let us know in the comments.
