From bristled to silicone options to multi-tool kits, there are plenty of water bottle cleaning brushes on the market. We’ve spent hours researching the best water bottle cleaning brushes, evaluating their size, material, cleaning abilities, and dishwasher compatibility. Our best overall pick is the OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set because it has powerful scrubbing capabilities and includes three brushes for a thorough cleaning. Here are the best water bottle cleaning brushes, backed by our research. Most water bottle cleaning brushes are made of silicone, but the OXO set features stiff nylon bristles, which provide more scrubbing power. The long brush features dual-action bristles: Stiff blue bristles at the top for more intense scrubbing and soft, white bristles on the side for a gentler cleaning. Measuring 12.5 inches in length, the handle is long enough to reach the bottom of most bottles. The hard bristles at the tip of the brush head are great at removing sediment and residue. Unfortunately, the brushes aren’t dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to clean them by hand. And, depending on the features of your water bottle, you may not have a use for all of the brushes in this kit. Still, for under $15, this is a stellar performer that gets the job done. Since the bristles are flexible, the brushes fit easily into almost all types of water bottles–even those with narrow necks. The bristles are softer than some other options, so if you need an abrasive option for intense scrubbing, this may not be the best option. It also sheds more than other options, meaning you may have to replace it more often. However, that’s easy to do since they’re under $20. When it’s time for cleanup, simply toss them in the dishwasher. For added convenience, this brush is dishwasher safe and heat-resistant up to 400 degrees F, so you can thoroughly clean and sanitize it as needed. It can also be hung up to dry by the handle. The Kitchiny Silicone Bottle Brush comes in five colors, including red and lime green, to suit various tastes. As a bonus, it’s also super affordable. While some brushes are only compatible with certain water bottles, this set is versatile enough to clean bottles of shapes and sizes. It can also be used to clean baby bottles, wine decanters, and a variety of other items. All of the brushes are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze. Considering this set includes an arsenal of cleaning tools, it’s very affordably priced. However, it’s important to note that this set doesn’t come with a water bottle brush. It only includes two 8-inch brushes, one 10-inch brush, and a 12-inch brush. It also doesn’t come with a ring to store them together, but you can remedy this by using a twist tie if you have an extra one on hand. All of the brushes are dishwasher-safe, which is a big plus, and the entire set retails for under $5, so if you lose one or run them into the ground, they’re super easy to replace. This brush features a curved plastic handle, which makes it comfortable to grip. It also has a hang hole at the end for convenient drying and storage. Sold as a set of two, these Hiware brushes are very affordable. To top it all off, they can go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. To further reduce waste, the ELDR bottle brush comes in plastic-free packaging. Note that this tool should not go in the dishwasher. The manufacturer recommends washing it with soap and vinegar and letting it air dry. Unfortunately, the brush lacks a hanging hole or loop, which would make it easier to hang up to dry and store when not in use. The set also includes a water bottle straw brush and a rounded brush, ideal for cleaning bottle caps and other crevices. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t provide any cleaning instructions, so it’s unclear if the brushes are dishwasher safe. All three tools can be stored together on a ring, which can be hung up almost anywhere in a kitchen for easy access. Since water bottle straws also attract grime, a separate brush designed specifically for straws would be a smart investment. You could also purchase a set that includes both tools to maximize your cleaning options. Some sets also come with a smaller brush to tackle lids, corners, and crevices. Multi-tool kits tend to be a better value because they provide an assortment of brushes for a deeper clean at relatively the same cost.
Material
Silicone brushes are typically softer than traditional bristle brushes and are less likely to scratch water bottles. If you intend to clean glassware and other delicate items, a silicone brush is probably a safer bet. Another advantage to silicone bristles is that they’re less likely to bend or shed like nylon bristles often do. On the other hand, a brush with nylon or plastic bristles—particularly those that are stiffer—will deliver more scrubbing power.
Dishwasher Compatibility
Some water bottle cleaning brushes are dishwasher safe, which is a nice convenience, but others are not. To determine whether your brush is dishwasher safe, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions. After every use, you should rinse the brush with hot water to prevent germs and bacteria from building up. If it can’t go in the dishwasher, you can disinfect the brush head at least once a week by dipping it into a solution of hot water and chlorine bleach.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer for The Spruce. For this roundup, Sage considered dozens of water bottle cleaning brushes, carefully evaluating each product’s size, material, cleaning abilities, and dishwasher compatibility. To find the best water bottle cleaning brushes on the market, she consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. Additional insight was provided by The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member Katie Berry, internationally recognized home cleaning expert and author of 30 Days to a Clean and Organized House.
