Reusable water bottles are becoming increasingly popular, but a new study has revealed that they may harbor far more germs than we ever imagined.
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Water Bottles Contain More Bacteria Than Toilet Seats
According to research conducted by US-based waterfilterguru.com, a water bottle contains around 40,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat, making it one of the most contaminated items we use on a daily basis.
The study examined various parts of a water bottle, including the spout lid, screw-top lid, stray lid, and squeeze-top lid, and found two types of bacteria present – gram-negative rods and bacillus. While gram-negative bacteria can cause infections that are increasingly resistant to antibiotics, certain types of bacillus bacteria can result in gastrointestinal issues.
The research further revealed that the bottle caps are the cleanest part of the bottle, having 10% of the total amount of bacteria. In order to prevent themselves from these bacteria, the researchers recommended that users should wash the bottle at least once a day with hot soapy water, and sanitize it at least once a week.
Reusable Water Bottles: A Breeding Ground for Germs and Bacteria
It is believed that the high levels of bacteria found in reusable water bottles could be due to several factors, including the fact that many people simply do not wash them often enough. Additionally, many people tend to refill their water bottles without washing them, which can lead to a build-up of germs over time.
In comparison to other items we use on a daily basis, the amount of bacteria found in reusable water bottles is staggering. According to the research, a water bottle contains twice as much bacteria as the kitchen sink, four times more than a computer mouse, and 14 times more than a pet’s drinking bowl. These findings are particularly alarming, as people are likely to get infected with contaminated bottles in comparison to the predictably more contaminated products like toys, bags, etc.
How to Properly Maintain Your Reusable Water Bottle?
However, some experts have argued that even though bottles may serve as a breeding ground for high numbers of bacteria, they might not be necessarily as dangerous as the findings have projected. Experts said that water bottles are susceptible to contamination from the bacteria that are already in people’s mouths.
Despite this, it is still important to take steps to prevent the build-up of bacteria in reusable water bottles. The researchers recommended that people should properly wash the bottle at least once a day with hot soapy water, and sanitize it at least once a week. Additionally, they advised users to avoid sharing their water bottles with others, as this can increase the risk of transferring germs.
While reusable water bottles are a convenient and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated, they may also be harboring far more germs than we ever imagined. Users need to take steps to prevent the build-up of bacteria in their water bottles, by washing them regularly and avoiding sharing them with others. By taking these simple steps, we can help to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that our reusable water bottles remain a safe and healthy way to stay hydrated.
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