Remember to wash your reusable water bottle

(WYTV) — When was the last time you washed your reusable water bottle?

They are a great way to stay hydrated on the go, but just take care of them.

They can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold if you don’t give them a good scrub every now and then. The yucky stuff thrives in moist environments, just like that bottle you use every day.

“Everything that touches that water bottle can transmit bacteria,” Cleveland Clinic Dr. Marianne Sumego said. “So, we put our mouth to the water bottle, we touch it, we lift the straw, we set it down – and so bacteria can really be transferred from any contact that’s made.”

You often can’t see the germs that may be growing inside your water bottle, and they could bring on symptoms similar to food poisoning.

Sensitive to mold? You could have a flare-up of allergy symptoms.

Clean your water bottle with soap and water often, after every use if you can. Rinsing isn’t enough.

Whether it’s stainless steel, glass, plastic or our Daybreak treasure, all reusable bottles need a regular cleanup.

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