To avoid any sort of contamination it is best to rinse out, or preferably wash, your water bottles everyday. The key is to then let them thoroughly dry.  Because hand washing isn't my favorite item on my to-do list I usually buy stainless steel water bottles that have no coating or coloring so that they can go in the dishwasher. It is best to hand wash plastic water bottles as the high heat from the dishwasher wears down the plastic faster at which point leaching is more likely to occur.

The Sniff test

Now I know that washing out one's water bottle everyday doesn't always happen. They get left in the car and sit for a day or two. Then, are conveniently there when you notice that you forgot to bring any other water. This is when my mother's famous "sniff test" comes in handy. If the water smells bad then it probably is!

Caring for your water bottle

Brands such as Sigg carry a special cleaner and fancy tool to clean their small necked bottles. It is really hard to get those suckers clean but who wants to buy a special cleaner for their water bottles? I mean seriously, this kind of required dedication will send the most serious green bean off to the nearest supermarket to buy a case of pre-filled plastic water bottles!

Plain white vinegar mixed with hydrogen peroxide has been proven to kill bacteria just as well as those harsh chemicals. Spray or pour in equal parts vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, add some water, put on the cap and shake. Rinse and dry! Voila! Your bottle is clean and bacteria free!