After an article was shared by the Daily Mail this week warning of the dangers of mould growing in reusable water bottles, we thought we’d share our top tips to keep your bottles clean and illness-causing bacteria at bay…
Dangers Of Drinking From a Mouldy Water Bottle
The article shared the experiences of several people who had regularly fallen ill and didn’t know what was causing it…until they discovered black mould on the inside of their reusable bottles. Now don’t panic too much, if you’ve drank out of a mouldy bottle a couple of times by accident, you’re not going to turn into a mushroom-spouting zombie like in The Last of Us. BUT ingesting black mould daily could affect your skin, eyes, nose, throat and stomach, according to the article. The worst effects are likely to occur in people with an already weakened immune system, such as very young or very old people, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or those suffering from sustained stress.
Watch this quick 2 minute video to see in depth how to clean your one green bottle (or other stainless steel bottle brand) effectively. Alternatively, scroll past and read the How to instructions below.
What do i need to Keep Reusable Water Bottles Clean
But fear not, black mould is easily avoidable, and no it’s not going to mutate and infect the entire human race (can you tell we’re not over that show yet…?). Of course washing regularly is important, but follow these steps too and drink nothing but pure H2O…
Invest in good bottle brushes and spout brushes
Proper spouts and bottle brushes can make cleaning a bottle a breeze. Perfectly made to fit in any nooks and crannies, they are way better than that sponge at the end of a spoon you’ve been using until now.
Using a bottle cleaning brush with a long handle and firm bristles is the best way to ensure your reusable water bottle stays hygienic and free from build-up. Unlike makeshift tools that miss hard-to-reach spots, a purpose-built water bottle brush is designed to clean the inner walls, spouts, lids, and threads of your stainless steel bottle with ease. For bottles with narrow necks or intricate cap designs, using the right eco bottle cleaning tools prevents the growth of mould, bacteria, and unpleasant odours. Whether you’re cleaning a metal sports bottle, a kids’ lunchbox bottle, or a travel flask, a proper brush helps maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your sustainable hydration solution—keeping your drinks tasting fresh and your bottle safe to use every single day.
Invest in a GOOD QUALITY stainless steel water bottle
Of course we’re going to suggest this, but for good reason. Stainless steel is the enemy of black mould. Non-porous, there are no tiny cracks or scratches for bacteria to hide in, it can withstand regular washing without rusting or leaching chemicals, plus it is resistant to stains (duh) and odours.
1200ml Blush pink Tough Canteen – Lightweight Stainless Steel – BOTL – not insulated
Unlike disposable plastic bottles, which can degrade and harbour bacteria after just a few uses, a high-quality stainless steel reusable water bottle offers durability and long-term safety. Investing in a BPA-free, toxin-free metal bottle not only protects your health but also supports a more sustainable lifestyle. Plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and microplastics into your drink, especially when exposed to heat or reused without proper cleaning. Stainless steel bottles, on the other hand, maintain the purity of your water, are fully recyclable, and help reduce single-use plastic waste—making them the smarter, greener choice for eco-conscious consumers looking to stay hydrated on the go.
Keep your bottle somewhere cool
This will prevent the damp conditions needed for mould to grow in
Let your bottle dry thoroughly after washing it
Mould is more likely to grow in warm conditions so now the weather is getting warmer, don’t leave it in a sunny window or hot car (unless it’s completely dry).
Hopefully this covered everything! But, if you’re still having trouble with cleaning get in contact with our team, we’d be happy to help!
Contact us
The best way to contact us is on Admin@onegreenbottle.com. If you want a quicker response, jump on our chatbot between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday!