If you are like me you refill and reuse your water bottle everyday. Reusable water bottles not only help us to stay hydrated but also save the environment from plastic waste generated from single use bottles. The cost of refilling and reusing water bottles is much less than the cost of plastic pollution affecting the marine life in our oceans.

For hygienic reasons, it's important that we clean our water bottles regularly. How often do you clean or even think about cleaning you bottle? More importantly, how do we clean our drink bottles effectively and efficiently?

Here are few ways to clean your bottles.

• Dishwasher

If your reusable bottle is made of glass it is highly likely it's dishwasher friendly. Just place the bottle in the dishwasher in the middle rack and it should do the trick.

• Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and is very effective for cleaning drink bottles. Wash with soap and hot water first, then refill the bottle with hot water, adding a couple of tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar. Give it a good shake and place the bottle upside down on a clean, dry towel or drying rack to dry completely before refilling. 

• Warm Water & Lemon

Take apart the bottle if it has a lid, mouthpiece other parts that come apart.  Squeeze half a lemon into the opening of the bottle. Then, fill the bottle with warm or hot water, let it sit for few minutes and give it a good shake. Place the bottle upside down on a drying rack to dry completely. 

When buying a water bottle, check the cleaning instructions on the product packaging or sellers website, don't forget to make a photo or notes before throwing away the packaging.