A father has issued a caution to parents regarding a potential hazard found in children’s water bottles that may not be easily noticeable. In a recent video shared on TikTok, Jason Sullivon revealed his struggle to thoroughly clean his daughter’s reusable bottles due to the absence of removable parts, even after regularly rotating them. Upon seeking advice from the manufacturer, Yeti, he was instructed to boil the bottles in hot water for five to ten minutes. To his surprise, he discovered a significant accumulation of black mold around the rubber seal post this cleaning method.
Expressing his concern, Jason stated, “I reached out to Yeti for proper cleaning instructions, given the non-detachable design. After following their advice, this was the outcome.” He emphasized the importance of inspecting such bottles regularly for hidden buildup or contamination, particularly when used by children.
The TikTok video has garnered over 130,000 likes, prompting numerous users to share their own experiences dealing with mold in water bottles. While some voiced frustrations over the difficulty of cleaning bottles with intricate parts, others reported minimal mold issues even after years of use and regular cleaning.
UK consumer watchdog Which? suggests preventive measures to avoid mold in children’s water bottles, such as positioning them strategically in the dishwasher or handwashing with hot water and suitable gloves, disassembling where possible for a thorough cleanse. Additional methods include utilizing bottle cleaning kits with pipe cleaners or sterilizing solutions, always adhering to the manufacturer’s washing guidelines for the specific bottle model.