Signs of mould in your water bottle

by Qaqamba Falithenjwa

You might think that just because your water bottle only keeps clean water, no juice or anything with flavour, that it is always clean and cannot attract germs, you might not even see the need to wash it. Well, experts have proven that your water bottle is often prone to mould growth.

The news publication Roundup states that mould in water bottles can cause infections, eye and throat irritations, rashes, and allergic reactions.

The Cleveland Clinic details the subtle but visible signs of mould in your bottle of water:

  • Visual spots:  One of the most evident indicators is the presence of mould patches within your water bottle. It is said that these spots may show up as slimy, fuzzy spots that are occasionally white, black, or green in colour.
  • Bad taste: The above clinic continues to state that mould can change the flavour of your water. “If your water tastes strange or unpleasant (again, even after you’ve washed it), it might be due to mould contamination.”
  • Unpleasant odour: Cleveland further explains that mould can cause a musty, slightly earthy smell even after washing.
  • Cloudy water appearance: “Mold can sometimes make the water in your bottle look cloudy or murky. If your water doesn’t look clear and clean, it could be a sign of mould growth.”
  • Residue or film: It is further mentioned that this can leave behind residue or film on the bottle walls, indicating mould-related issues.

How to properly clean the bottle

The University of Alabama suggests the following steps to effectively cleaning your bottle:

  1. Use hot water and dish soap to clean the water cups thoroughly.
  2. Scrub all surfaces, including the interior, exterior, and crevices where mould or bacteria could hide.
  3. Rinse the cup thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
  4. Sanitize the bottle with a bleach solution or a commercial sanitiser specifically designed for food contact surfaces to kill any remaining bacteria or mould spores.
  5. Allow the cup to air dry completely before the next use

 

Also see: Learn the distinction between tap water and spring water