Nasty warning to anyone who drinks from a reusable bottle

With drinking plenty of water being hugely important, and many of us doing our bit to protect the planet, reusable bottles have become more and more popular in recent years.

Some cafes and restaurants now offer a discounted price if you bring your own bottle, and even if you’ve never watched Love Island you’re probably aware of their branded bottles, too. But experts warn that people are likely not be keeping their bottles clean enough, with the average one “dirtier than a dog’s drinking bowl”.

Natalie Byrne from GO Outdoors told the ECHO: “When looked after properly, reusable water bottles can last for years, especially ones made of materials such as stainless steel. Stainless steel water bottles usually only need replacing due to wear and tear, meaning that with proper care they can last for years.

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“Glass water bottles should be replaced every two to three years and plastic bottles replaced every year.

“Cleaning your reusable water bottle may not appear to be an urgent task, but with studies finding there is more bacteria in a water bottle than in a dog’s water bowl, not taking care of the cleanliness of your bottle could potentially have devastating impacts on your health.

“Water bottles should be washed as often as drinking glasses are washed; after every use. Many water bottles are dishwasher-safe, but it is important to clean smaller parts with a toothbrush or bottle brush.