A woman has sparked debate after revealing she only washes her reusable water bottle “once in a blue moon” – and many people couldn’t believe what they were reading
Guzzling water from a stylish reusable bottle is a popular eco-friendly trend, with an array of options ranging from the sleek designs of Chilly’s to the rugged Stanley cups.
Not only do they make a fashion statement, but they also significantly cut down on plastic use – so a win-win situation. However, confusion reigns over how frequently these bottles should be cleaned, especially when used solely for water.
TikTok user, @jaceylmfao, confessed that she rarely washes her cup, stating: “Once in a blue moon.” She captioned her video with: “Girl math is never washing your water bottle because if I only put water in it, how is it dirty??? ” This laissez-faire approach shocked some viewers, with comments such as “mould and spit” pointing out valid concerns.
Private GP Dr Suhail Hussain explained to the Independent the inherent dangers, saying: “Anything that is reusable can be prone to accumulating dirt, dust or debris and, as a result, bacteria. This is exacerbated by the fact water bottles are the ideal environment for harbouring bacteria due to being moist.”
To avoid unwelcome bacteria build-up, even if just water is used, it is advised to give reusable bottles a thorough daily clean – water is not an automatic cleaner, after all.
One person commented: “I thought everyone did this till I looked at the comments…”, as numerous people responded suggesting the woman should at least “rinse it with hot water”. However, others came to Jacey’s defence, with one saying: “I’m just so lazy (it gets washed once every 2 weeks it’s better than a lot of people don’t judge me).”
Another added: “Your backwash goes down the straw to the bottom and after a while, it grows mould and the bottom will be slimy.”
