WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 8, 2025

Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat.

It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought.

So, is this claim true?

Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…

It’s true.

As uncomfortable as it is to think about, your reusable water bottle may be crawling with germs.

Studies show that popular reusable water bottles can harbor a significant number of bacteria—in fact, they could be 40,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat!

If you think that seems impossible since you only ever carry water in it, you’re not alone. Most folks are shocked to discover how dirty their water bottle could be.

So, what’s going on here?

It comes down to a few key factors:

First, toilet seats are usually cleaned regularly with disinfectants designed to kill bacteria. Meanwhile, your water bottle often goes days or weeks without a proper cleaning.

Second, our mouths are full of bacteria, which transfer to the bottle each time we take a sip. Add the warm, moist environment inside the bottle, and you’ve created the perfect breeding ground for microorganisms.

Third, we constantly touch our water bottles with our hands, which pick up germs from everything else we touch.

But before you toss your reusable bottle in the trash, you should know that this doesn’t necessarily mean your water bottle is going to make you sick. Most of the bacteria present are likely the same ones already in your mouth, and your immune system handles them just fine.

That said, it’s still essential to keep it clean. Here are my tips for maintaining a healthier water bottle:

1. Clean it daily: At the end of each day wash your bottle with soap and hot water. Use a brush to reach all the nooks and crannies.
2. Deep clean it weekly: Give your water bottle a more thorough cleaning once a week. A diluted bleach solution (one teaspoon of bleach per quart of water) works well for plastic or metal bottles without insulation. White vinegar can be effective for other bottles.
3. Dry it completely: Bacteria thrive in moisture, so make sure your bottle is completely dry before refilling it.
4. Consider the material: Stainless steel bottles tend to be less hospitable to bacteria than plastic ones, especially those with scratches where bacteria can hide.
5. Replace it regularly: If your water bottle is showing signs of wear and tear or has deep scratches, it’s time for a new one.
6. Be careful with caps and straws: These areas can be particularly problematic for bacterial growth and are often overlooked during cleaning. Use a small brush to reach all of the surface areas.

The “dirtier than a toilet seat” comparison is often used to shock folks. But it does make us aware of a vital fact. We don’t clean many everyday items as frequently as we should.

With regular cleaning, your reusable water bottle is environmentally friendly and hygienic.

P.S. Hidden toxins discovered in bottled water (read THIS before your next sip)!

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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