Reusable bottles have burst into our lives as an essential. Their main advantage is that we can comfortably store and transport water in them, thus reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. This simple habit is very beneficial for the environment and also, why not say it, for our pocket, since you can refill them as many times as you want wherever you go.
However, they have a small drawback: they tend to give off a bad smell. Moisture accumulates in it, which gives rise to bacteria, which are to blame for that unpleasant stench that makes using them not so appetizing. The same goes for thermoses or canteens, whether you fill them with water, coffee, infusions or smoothies.
To combat the bad smell of reusable bottles, the most effective advice is to always keep them empty and uncovered. In addition, it is imperative to wash them thoroughly after each use. You can do it by hand with the help of an elongated brush –like the one used to clean baby bottles– or put them in the dishwasher if its material allows it. However, once the bad smell has made an appearance, a basic cleaning is not enough to eradicate it.
To eradicate the bad smell of reusable bottles, canteens or thermoses, we will resort to an infallible mixture in the cleaning territory: vinegar and bicarbonate. This combination is of great help to make the oven, iron, resistant stains of grease, mold shine… And it is also a success when it comes to eliminating bad odors from plastic and silicone containers such as lunch boxes or gadgets for cooking in the microwave.
Therefore, the bad smell of reusable bottles can’t resist either. In a small bowl, mix an equal amount of white vinegar (wine or apple) and water and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Insert the bottle cap into this mixture and leave it to soak overnight.
As for the bottle, fill it to the top with a mixture of equal amounts of white vinegar and water, as well as another teaspoon of baking soda. You will see that the mixture effervesces and you should let it rest for eight hours, for example, overnight. Then, rinse both the stopper and the bottle very well with plenty of water, until all traces of the mixture are removed. In case the bad smell persists, you will only have to repeat the process increasing the number of hours that you let the mixture act. Then, rinse it insistently and your bottle will be ready for daily use without bad aromas.
