Give the bottle lid some attention

A reusable bottle can look clean while its lid, seal or drinking spout still needs attention. Those are the parts most likely to be missed by a quick rinse.

Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, including whether components can be removed and whether the bottle is dishwasher-safe. Use appropriate cleaning tools, rinse thoroughly and let parts dry as directed before reassembling or storing.

Check seals and moving parts for damage. A leaking bottle is inconvenient in a day bag, especially beside a phone or map. Replace worn components when suitable replacements are available, or replace the bottle when it can no longer be used properly.

Before an outing, fill it with suitable drinking water and plan for the amount and refill arrangements your route and conditions require. Do not assume a fountain shown on an old map will be working. A bottle is useful only when its contents, condition and capacity match the plan.