Reusable bottles going mouldy.

[Wheresmrpenguin]

I used to use the plastic one use bottles, and refill them for a few days and then chuck. But about 5 years ago I decided to start using the more environmentally friendly purpose made water bottles with built in straws etc.

But they keep going moldy, like full black mold on inside. I can sometimes pay about £2-4 per bottle, but mostly £5-6 so I can get a dishwasher proof and I have to throw it away after about a month.

I'm rinsing it out, can't leave it to dry because i'm using it.

I have sensory issues and struggle to drink from a glass, and sensitive teeth so need a straw. I've tried really hard changing to glass or bottles without straws but I end up getting ill from dehydration.

Any advice? I'm really debating bulk buying a ton of plastic one use bottles.

I’ve had this with DH’s cycling bottles (Camelbak Podium); you need to take the lids apart for a thorough cleaning every now and then. It’s a bit of a faff but there’s usually a video on YouTube showing how to do it. If he’s had energy drinks in the bottle or forgotten one in his gym bag they can get a bit gross.

I never ever had mould in a bottle or straw. And it does not make any sense if you are drinking just water and washing it frequently.
You can get to all parts of the ones we use by handwashing.
I would throw away the ones you have. Get new ones and never use a dishwasher with them. See if that would do the trick.
As PPs, a bit of bleach or milton will sort out any living thing.
You will need to have a look to your taps and water supply if you get more of that mould.

One Green Bottle. They are metal flasks but with options for the lids. The kids have sports caps and must have had them for 4 years now.
Every now and then I'll submerge the caps and straws in milton just because I think I should. Never had any issues.

I bought a set of bottle brushes from amazon that had a really thin one in for getting into the mouthpiece and the straw

Could you use a reusable straw in a glass or a flask?
I run boiling water through the straws of our water bottles and never had a mould problem.

You need one with a free flow spout. We have had Ion8 and now have GRSTA from amazon which are practically the same non leaking. Any with straws or twisty spouts always have a musty aroma after a while.

We don't buy the straw ones now that DC are big enough to manage screw top lids. We get plain metal, or vacuum, bottles with simple lids. And get a bottle brush.

Even metal ones get misshapen, or the lids or screw threads go, though.

Is it of the sistema ones? They do go gross in the lid even with water, you have to open the lid up(videos online) and clean, I tend to soak in Milton when I remember too and then air dry before putting back together.

But two bottles and alternate them. Wash and sterilise, leave one to air dry whilst you're using the other.

The ion8 bottles mentioned upthread are great - no straw but there’s a lip to drink from which is like the top of a straw, if you like that. Really easy to clean and no leaking ever.

Just responding to a few of then comments.

I've tried a straw cleaner but I'll see if I can get one of the brush ones.

I've used a variety of brands, from cheap to expensive ones so I'll have a look at some of the ones suggested.

I think alternating and soaking may be my best option though!

A teaspoon of table salt with a Couple of tablespoons of rice in the bottle. Half fill with cold water, put the lid on tight and a vigorous shaking usually does the job for me.

One green bottle are fabulous. Dc have had theirs for 4 years, through pre school, into primary, days out etc. Constant use. You can also buy new straw lids for them I'd they break (one of ours did recently, after 4 yrs of constant use).

They are expensive, in comparison to plastic. But last and last. The bottles are metal.

I cold water sterilise them every couple of weeks, hand-wash otherwise.