How Often Should You Clean Your Trusty Arizona Water Bottle?

Are you team Stanley or team Hydro Flask? Maybe you're more of a YETI aficionado. Suddenly, reusable water containers have become both a fashion accessory and a status symbol, and I'll be honest: I'm not mad about it.

Arizona is arid, dry, parched, and always in need of hydration. I'm talking about the people, not just the climate. Admit it, you never leave your house without your keys, your phone, and your favorite portable beverage receptacle, also known as your trusty water bottle.

Which Water Bottle Are You Using?

Recently, Reader's Digest compiled a list of some of the most popular water bottles in America. Arizona certainly has some favorites.

Choosing your perfect water bottle all depends on how you use it. Urban diva, college student, or rugged outdoors type, if you're looking for a durable, solid, and capable of keeping a beverage at temperature for a long time, you have some great options. Here are three of Arizona's most popular choices and what they say about you.

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Why Urban Divas Choose a Stanley Water Bottle?

My best friend has a rather impressive array of Stanley water bottles. They come in so many different colors, designs, and sizes that if you're not on this bandwagon yet, it's just a matter of time before you find one that speaks to you. It's perfect for a day of shopping or ambling around a wine festival or farmers' market.

Hey, you can take your water bottle hiking and act like a citizen scientist! Join The San Pedro River BioBlitz For Nature Discovery

The College Kids' Choice: Hydro Flask

No self-respecting co-ed at the University of Arizona or Arizona State University would be caught without a Hydro Flask.

While it can keep its contents either icy cold or pleasantly warm for an entire day, the beverages rarely last that long. It's a point of pride to see how many times each student can drink and refill their water flask in a single day. An impressive accomplishment at 40 ounces per fill!

Have You Seen the YETI Folks?

Those who tote the YETI are a whole different breed. These folks tend to be more rugged and outdoorsy. YETI water flasks are solid and durable, and they also supply everything great about an Arizona water bottle. They keep beverages cold or hot on long hikes, hold a lot of liquid, and are extremely durable.

How Should You Clean Your Portable Water Bottle?

If you're only storing water in your portable beverage container, do you have to clean it every day? Experts recommend cleaning it daily or at least weekly to prevent bacterial buildup. Make sure you give the lid extra attention, and don't forget to clean the straw where bacteria love to hide.

Hand wash with hot, soapy water or run the whole thing through the dishwasher. You can even use denture tablets to deep clean areas you might miss.

Check out our hiking checklist: The Best Arizona Summer Hiking Checklist!

A deeper clean with baking soda or vinegar should be done every few days to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold. Always ensure the bottle, lid, and straw are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold growth.