Person rinsing a blue water bottle and its cap under a running faucet
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2. Deodorize the Right Way
If the smell is still there after a good wash, it’s time to deodorize. Fletcher recommends soaking all of the parts in a diluted bleach solution, if the bottle’s manufacturer says it’s safe to do so. Afterward, rinse and wash it thoroughly, and let every piece dry completely before putting it back together.
What she’d skip are the internet’s favorite fixes. “I wouldn’t rely on baking soda or vinegar to solve a smelly bottle,” she says. “They get recommended all the time online, but if you haven’t scrubbed away the buildup first, they won’t do much.” Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut around the actual scrubbing.
3. Keep It Fresh With Regular Cleaning
Keeping your water bottle fresh and clean comes down to a couple of daily and weekly maintenance habits. Start by emptying the bottle and washing it with hot, soapy water daily. Then, once a week, do a deeper clean. This means taking the lid apart, pulling out the gasket, brushing inside the straw, and scrubbing any easy-to-miss crevices. Leave the lid off (or rest it loosely on top), and don’t put the bottle back together until every piece is completely dry.
