Study finds reusable water bottles can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat
It's the common item many of us use everyday – but what if we told you that your water bottle could have more bacteria in it than a toilet seat?
According to a study by WaterFilterGuru.com, water bottles can be that unhygienic.
The research found reusable water bottles contain an average of 20,800,000 CFUs, or colony forming units – a calculation of the number of viable and reproducing cells in a sample.
It's unsettling news for those of us devoted to what's come to be known as an "emotional support" water bottle.
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Here's your reminder to wash your emotional support water bottle. TikTok
The 'emotional support bottle' trend has emerged on social media through the pandemic. TikTok user Christina Najjar, known as Tinx, is credited with helping popularise it by declaring an insulated tall cup "literally changed her life."
However, it seems these 'besties' can betray you if you don't clean them properly and regularly.
The importance of washing your bottle can't be overstated. TikTok user Sky Lanham, who goes by splishsplashsky, shared a video reminding us all to make sure we're keeping our bottles clean.
Lanham captioned across her video, "Here's your reminder to wash your emotional support water bottle so it doesn't grow mold and make you sick."
Watch the video above.
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The WaterFilterGuru.com study compared the germs on the bottle to household items, showing just how gross they can be if you're not careful.
On average, an unwashed reusable water bottle had 40,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat, 14 times of a pet bowl and even five times the amount found on a computer mouse.
The study found reusable water bottles could have more bacteria than a computer mouse. iStock
The study also found 42 per cent of people wash their water bottle per day.
Moist and damp environments are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, so washing your emotional support water bottle – or any reusable water bottle – is a must.
Ingesting bacteria is a guaranteed trip to the doctor as you will definitely get sick.
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Reusable bottles are very popular. iStock
The best way to clean your bottle is with hot soapy water and sanitising it at least once a week.
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Make sure you're frequently cleaning if you've been unwell or filling it with another liquid other than water such as juice.
Suffice to say, cleaning your bottle needs to be a part of your daily routine.
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