To Protect Both the Environment and Your Body... How to Manage the Germ Hotspot 'Tumbler'

If You Store a Tumbler Touched by Saliva for Over 3 Hours, 30,000 Bacteria Multiply
Clean Using Baking Soda and Vinegar and Replace Every 6-8 Months

Harmful bacteria can survive in various parts of a cup for up to three days, according to research. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Recently, Park, a worker in his 20s who has become increasingly interested in environmental protection, purchased a new personal tumbler. Every morning, Park fills his tumbler with Americano coffee from the coffee machine in the office and heads to his desk. He drinks coffee from the tumbler about 3 to 4 times a day on average, rinses it lightly, and sometimes fills it with mineral water to drink.

More people are using reusable items like personal tumblers instead of disposable paper cups to protect the environment. However, continuously using a tumbler without proper cleaning can actually cause health problems. If a tumbler is left unattended due to inconvenience or only rinsed with water before storage, various bacteria can breed inside, potentially causing intestinal diseases. Charles Gerba, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona, said, "Insufficiently cleaned drinking cups can become breeding grounds for all kinds of bacteria." He emphasized, "Harmful bacteria can survive on various parts of the cup for up to three days," and "fecal bacteria present in the intestines and feces can also live on the cup."

Leftover beverages in the tumbler should be discarded and washed as soon as possible. Many people fill their tumblers with drinks and sip slowly over a long period. If a tumbler touched by saliva is left at room temperature above 20 degrees Celsius for more than three hours, about 30,000 bacteria can multiply. Beverages containing protein, such as milk, can cause even more bacterial growth if not consumed within two hours. Additionally, drinks with high sugar content, like juice, can corrode the tumbler.

Proper cleaning methods for tumblers are also important. Using baking soda and vinegar to clean the tumbler can effectively remove water stains. Put one spoonful of baking soda and hot water into the tumbler, wait for an hour, and then wash it. Baking soda, a mildly alkaline substance, changes fats and oils into water-soluble forms, making it effective in removing grease.

Acidic vinegar coagulates protein and fat components, removing water stains and stubborn grime inside the tumbler. It also has excellent sterilizing, preservative, and deodorizing effects. Mix water and vinegar in a 9:1 ratio, pour it into the tumbler, and after about 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly.

When cleaning a tumbler, avoid soaking it in water for a long time. To remove bacteria and microorganisms, it is best to wash with hot water. After washing, completely dry the tumbler to prevent bacterial growth. Also, if you use the same tumbler for a long time, moisture can repeatedly accumulate inside, promoting bacterial growth, so it is recommended to replace it every 6 to 8 months. As for scrubbers, shared scrubbers used in office pantries are breeding grounds for bacteria, so it is advisable to use personal scrubbers whenever possible.