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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Dry it completely: Bacteria thrive in moisture, so make sure your bottle is completely dry before refilling it.
- Consider the material: Stainless steel bottles tend to be less hospitable to bacteria than plastic ones, especially those with scratches where bacteria can hide.
- 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.
- 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.
View More Free Articles
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...