Remove Stinky Odors From Your Reusable Water Bottle With This Unexpected Hack

We love a good reusable water bottle, but if you forget to give it a thorough wash from time to time, it can get funky very quickly. Even if you only ever use plain water in your bottle, bacteria will enjoy the damp and dark conditions inside. They are quick to multiply and may be dangerous to your health. Of course, not all bacteria is bad — in fact, there are lots of good bacteria. Still, it's recommended to eat diverse meals that include fermented, prebiotic, and probiotic foods if you're looking to increase the good bacteria in your gut, not drink out of a stinky water bottle.

To get rid of these germs easily, you should be washing your water bottle every day. With a little soap, warm water, and a clean sponge, you can keep your container fresh-smelling and stop harmful bacteria from growing. Afterwards, allow the bottle to dry completely either by air drying or wiping it out with a clean towel. On top of this, it is also a good idea to sanitize your water bottle once per week to keep it free of bacterial odors. This is easy to do with a hack that uses an item you already have in your pantry: baking soda.

Typically, the deep cleaning of a stinky water bottle involves bleach. However, this isn't the only way to get the container clean. Our favorite chemical-free cleaning solution uses only baking soda and water. To begin, dump out any remaining water in your cup and give it a quick rinse. Then, add two tablespoons of baking soda. Fill it to the top with warm water and let it sit overnight. While you sleep, the baking soda will deodorize and clean the container. In the morning, you'll want to clean your reusable water bottle as normal with soap and water before determining whether the odor has been eliminated. 

If it's still lingering, you can make one of two choices. First, you could fill your bottle with white vinegar and let it sit for some hours. Dilute the vinegar with water if you prefer not to use too much. Second, you may add an anti-bacterial denture cleaner tablet to your bottle with water and shake it until the tablet dissolves. No matter which option you choose, after your waiting period is up, you'll need to rewash the bottle and smell it again. When it's clean and smelling good as new, make sure to stick with a diligent washing schedule to keep it that way.