We see it all the time. The water is sold in plastic bottles, which are then consumed, but then the plastic bottle is kept to store new water at home. This is one of the biggest mistakes in the home, and many are guilty of making this mistake. Why? It’s because plastic harbors bacteria. Follow our guide to help you steer clear of this habit and keep your family safe from nasty bacteria.

With all the plastic bottles and the benefits of plastic, many choose to continue using it so they can store any liquid inside. Plastic is lightweight, can be disposable, and is easy to clean. However, plastic is also porous, which makes it easy for bacteria to grow inside. Of course, this is completely invisible to the user. Here is a simple test. After drinking water for about a day from a 600ml bottle, put the bottle away and smell the top of the bottle the next day. You will notice an unpleasant odor coming from the bottle cap. This is a quick sign that mold has started to form where the bottle came in contact with the lips.

Never use these bottles to keep water at home. Instead, buy some glass bottles, which should be washed regularly with warm water. This method is perfect for storing your water and you won’t be able to notice any odor in the water when you drink it. Plastic bottles, although lighter, are not a good container, especially if you have children in the home. Be careful teaching them how to handle glass as it will be more slippery to hold and also heavier. There are also alternative hybrids of glass and plastic on the market. These are also perfect for storage as they have the properties of glass, while maintaining the light weight benefits of plastic.

If you hate using glass in the home, then the best idea is to simply dispose of the stale water in the plastic bottles and keep them completely empty until you need them. Boil the water before you choose to drink it and let it cool just before consuming it. Following these healthy habits will help protect your family from unwanted germs and bacteria.