Clean your water bottle more (and properly!) You are almost certainly not doing it enough. At the very least, you gotta let that thing air dry between uses to avoid bacteria and mold growth (and a bad taste).
Here are some best practices for cleaning your bottle:
- To properly clean a water bottle, wash daily with hot, soapy water and a bottle brush, focusing on the lid and straw, then let it air dry completely; for deep cleaning weekly, use a solution of hot water with vinegar, baking soda, or denture tablets to sanitize and deodorize, scrubbing nooks and crannies, and rinsing thoroughly before drying.
- Daily Cleaning (Quick Wash)
- Disassemble: Take off the lid, straw, and any other parts.
- Wash: Use hot water and a few drops of dish soap with a bottle brush to scrub the inside, outside, lid, and straw (use a pipe cleaner for straws).
- Rinse: Rinse all parts thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry: Air dry all pieces upside down to prevent moisture buildup.
Real Life of an MSW 
depending on the container, I usually prefer to use baking soda – because sometimes even the most gentle of soaps can leave a smell. We also like to reuse the GT’s kombucha bottles for a water bottle – they are glass, easy to clean, and I can make variations. Like in one water bottle I added some vitamin c powder (pure ascorbic acid) and a dash of olive oil – the glass bottle is the best for this – and sometiimes I add a teaspoon of “Calm” and it makes a great “easy make and take” 0 also, I will not use water bottles that have too small of a spout, just so I can clean them well. anyhow, good post!
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I love the concept of recycling bottles and admire your decision to use glass. However, I often carry my bottle in my tote bag and am concerned that a glass one would not be durable enough for my needs. I currently use a dishwasher-safe alumni bottle, and I completely agree with your point that a wide-mouth design is essential.❤ —Thanks for taking the time to read,and comment.
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sounds like you have the right bottle for your needs!
and thanks for the reply.
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I do wash mine with soap and water and let dry and then I keep in the refrigerator until I use it again. I have several.
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I had never considered putting mine in the refrigerator, perhaps because it is already insulated, but I absolutely love the idea. ❤ —Thanks for taking the time to read,and comment.
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You’re welcome!
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