Freshen Up Your Reusable Water Bottle With One Popular Kitchen Ingredient

According to The Roundup, an estimated 60% of us, or 155 million American adults, currently drink from reusable water bottles, showcasing their incredible popularity (the market for these bottles is worth billions to boot). However, while they can be filled with a variety of different liquids, water tends to be the go-to for most of us. Regardless, these receptacles can be difficult to clean, and eventually, you'll notice a subtle smell emanating from your favorite one. 

Thankfully, TikToker @carolina.mccauley has a clever solution for this pesky problem. And it's ridiculously easy to do at home, too, without any scrubbing required. In fact, all you need to do is grab some vinegar and use it to eliminate any pesky odors that are emanating from the bottom of your reusable water bottle. Although it may seem like a disgusting ingredient to add to something you regularly drink from, it works wonders if done correctly (just don't overdo it). 

Don't worry, you don't have to fill up your entire water bottle with vinegar. Instead, pour one cup in, and then fill the remainder with water. This should be a sufficient amount to cleanse it of any unpleasant odors. You can shake it around if you wish, but it's not always necessary. In addition to the bottle, you should do the same with the lid by soaking it in a large bowl. After 10 minutes, wash both out thoroughly with water before placing them out to dry. 

You can always dry any reachable areas with a clean towel, too. Just ensure that you check back once everything is fully dry and that the smell is completely gone. If you find it's still there even after cleaning, you may have to opt for a tougher solution or even consider replacing your bottle with a new one. This hack works so well because the vinegar helps to disinfect and eliminate any mold or germs that may be triggering unpleasant odors in the depths of your water bottle. 

This is due to its acidic nature, which also helps to neutralize smells. Hence vinegar is great for cleaning around your home more generally, too. Now, all you need to do is try this hack and see if it helps to zap away those pesky smells. In fact, you may even want to make it part of your regular reusable water bottle cleaning routine.