'I'm a cleaning expert and this is how you deep clean your reusable cups'

Cleaning expert, Nancy Emery has shared her tips for cleaning and maintaining your reusable cup or bottle.

By Astha Saxena, News Reporter

close-up of a businesswoman holding recycable takeaway coffee cup

A cleaning expert has shared ways to deep clean your reusable cups (Image: Getty)

Reusable water cups and bottles have been a popular trend for several summers. However, with the daily use of these reusable cups, people are beginning to worry about their longevity

A recent survey by Tap Warehouse revealed that 1 in 10 Brits leave their reusable bottles unwashed for at least overnight or longer. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, bad odors, and can also affect the taste of the drink.

Dr Abigail Short, a private doctor from Bark.com, said “not washing your water bottle can create an environment for germs to thrive, because of the moisture. 

“No matter what your bottle is made from, you should be using hot soapy water to keep it hygienic and then thoroughly dried.”

Cleaning expert, Nancy Emery, at Tap Warehouse has shared her tips for cleaning and maintaining your reusable cup or bottle


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Rinse your cup regularly

Reusable travel cups are great for exactly that, travelling. However, this often means that you are walking around or driving with a used cup in your bag harbouring bacteria.

It’s a good idea to rinse your cup or bottle under warm running water shortly after finishing your drink to remove any residue.

If you are at work then getting to a kitchen sink is no doubt easier, but it’s also worth stopping by a water fountain or rinsing your cup in the restroom on your next stop if you’re on the move. 


Thoroughly clean your cup every night

Thoroughly cleaning your reusable cup or bottle will help to maximise not only its durability but its effectiveness as well. Begin by disassembling your cup, taking care to remove the rubber seal and any other hidden areas that can harbour moisture and encourage bacteria growth.

Soak these items in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes (eco-friendly soaps are best to maintain the functionality and environmental friendliness of your cup), then use a clean brush to thoroughly wash the inside. Some cups are dishwasher safe, however this shouldn’t be in replacement of hand washing but in addition to for sterilising.

For a deep clean, you can also use distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

Simply sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda inside the cup, making sure to cover the bottom and sides, then fill the cup about halfway with distilled white vinegar.

The vinegar will react with the baking soda, causing it to fizz. Set it aside for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with warm water.

Invest in quality cleaning tools

A reusable cup is made to last, so investing in good quality cleaning accessories is essential to ensure this. Bottle/cup cleaning brushes can be bought online on sites such as Temu and Amazon for as little as £1.57.

You can also use straw cleaners which are ideal for getting into those hard to reach areas.

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