LARQ Bottle Review: The World’s First Self-Cleaning Travel Water Bottle
With its sleek design and innovative UV-C purification system, the LARQ Bottle offers a stylish, safe, and sustainable solution to staying hydrated on the go.
In this day and age, owning a water bottle for travel is not an option—it’s a requirement. Not only do we need clean, potable water everywhere we go, but the overuse of single-use plastics is also one of the biggest environmental issues we’re facing today.
But for years I’ve failed in my search for the perfect water bottle for travel. Too many of them leak, fall apart, and break—and because they tend to be so cheap anyway, I have a habit of forgetting about them and losing them altogether.
That search, however, seems to have come to an end. The LARQ Water Bottle may be as close to perfect as you can get.
It’s stainless steel, and BPA and toxin-free, so you won’t be adding any extra chemicals to your water. This is a major problem with plastic water bottles no matter how clean the water itself is.
Plus, it comes with a built-in UV-C light that neutralizes 99.9999% of viruses and bacteria. Yes, it purifies your water and the bottle literally cleans itself—you never have to wash this water bottle in your life!
On top of that, it’s incredibly durable and extremely well-crafted. This doesn’t feel like a throwaway bottle—it feels like a real piece of equipment.
And that’s because it is.
What is the LARQ Bottle?
Initially launched on Kickstarter in 2017, the LARQ Bottle has changed the way people get access to drinking water while traveling. As one of the first self-cleaning water bottles on the market, the LARQ Bottle is a sustainable way to enjoy fresh, purified water wherever you go.
Not only does using a reusable bottle eliminate plastic waste from single-use bottles, but its innovative technology also purifies harmful bacteria from different water sources.
That means you can drink tap water in countries that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, without the scare of getting sick.
Also, the LARQ Bottle runs on a self-cleaning cycle (it activates automatically once every two hours) that kills odor-causing germs that could live inside or on the surface of your bottle.
Recently, I got the chance to test out a couple of LARQ Bottles for ourselves. First, the 17oz LARQ Bottle in Monaco Blue.
With a chic, minimalist design, the 17oz size is perfect for when you need a quick sip of water during the day.
I also tested the newly-released 25oz LARQ Bottle in Obsidian Black. This larger size holds more water, making it ideal for long hikes or weekend trips. I really love the two-toned color of this bottle, which gives it a very sleek and modern look. Definitely my style!
So, whether you’re hiking in the mountains or living in the city, the LARQ Bottle is a healthier and more sustainable alternative to a traditional water bottle.
What is the LARQ Bottle Good For?
You can use your LARQ Bottle to purify water from both drinkable and non-drinkable water sources.
In the outdoors, the LARQ Bottle can purify clear water from a running stream or brook. In most countries, the LARQ Bottle can also clean certain types of tap water.
The LARQ Bottle works best if the water is clear. In many cases, you can refill your LARQ Bottle at water fountains, restaurants, and even bathroom sinks. It’s an excellent alternative to disposable, plastic bottles.
This comes in handy if you’re doing some city hopping and spending a lot of time outside in the sun. Find a water fountain, fill your bottle, and get exploring
How Does the LARQ Bottle Work?
Using proprietary UV-C LED technology, the LARQ Bottle purifies harmful bacteria and germs often found in water. At the touch of a button, the LED inside the bottle transmits UV-C light that targets and destroys the DNA of the germs.
Ultraviolet irradiation is a well-documented method for killing bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens. UV-C literally destroys and breaks down the DNA of microorganisms.
Also, the LARQ Bottle doesn’t use any chemicals or filters, making it a safe, non-toxic alternative for sanitizing water on the go.
What Does the LARQ Bottle Eliminate?
The LARQ Bottle is most effective at killing certain viruses and bacteria found in different water sources.
According to a recent study, the LARQ Bottle effectively reduced the presence of E. coli and Salmonella in the water. It also protects against other viruses such as Staph and MRSA.
So, if you’re traveling in an area with possibly tainted water, then the LARQ Bottle is a great option for killing these harmful microbes.
What Doesn’t the LARQ Bottle Eliminate?
It’s important to note that the LARQ Bottle only purifies the water of bacteria and viruses. It does not filter out chemicals or heavy sediments. It will not eliminate calcium, chlorine, fluoride or other heavy metals that might be found in the water.
That means the water you put in your LARQ Bottle must be clear and free of large particles or other sediments.
How Do I Use My LARQ Bottle?
To get started, charge your LARQ Bottle using the built-in micro-USB in the cap. With one charge, the lithium battery keeps your LARQ Bottle running for 1-2 months.
The LARQ Bottle has two purification settings – Normal Mode and Adventure Mode. A single tap activates the Normal Mode, which runs a 60-second cleaning cycle. Normal Mode is sufficient if you’re drinking tap water or other trusted water sources, like fountains and restaurant sinks.
If you’re hiking and need a drink, all you have to do is fill up your bottle at a river or even a waterfall and then double-tap the lid to start the Adventure Mode. This 3-minute cycle gives the water an extra boost of purification and eliminates up to 99.9999% of viruses and bacteria.
One of the coolest features of the LARQ Bottle is its self-cleaning setting. When charged, the bottle turns on the purifying UV light every 2 hours for 10 seconds to clean the interior of the bottle itself.
Not only does this make your water consistently clean and fresh, but it also gets rid of that stinky, stagnant water smell that’s often found in other reusable bottles.
Best of all, you won’t need to wash or rinse the bottle every time you use it.
The cleaning and purification process is incredibly quiet too, so you’ll never be interrupted while you’re working or soaking up some sunset views mid-hike.
LARQ’s Commitment to Sustainability
Besides cutting down on the amount of wasted plastic from single-use bottles, LARQ also focuses its efforts on giving back to the community.
They’ve partnered with 1% for the Planet, a non-profit network dedicated to raising awareness about different environmental issues around the world. That means 1% of every LARQ Bottle purchase goes towards fighting against issues like pollution, wildlife, and climate change.
So, every time you take a sip from your LARQ Bottle, you can smile knowing that your purchase helps makes the world a better place.
How is the LARQ Bottle Different From Other Water Bottles?
Compared to single-use water bottles, the LARQ Bottle can be refilled and used thousands of times. It’s also completely BPA and plastic-free, which means it’s actually good for the environment!
Consider this: people buy one million plastic bottles per minute globally, and only 9% of that plastic is recycled. It can take 1,000 years for that bottle to decompose in a landfill.
Additionally, the LARQ Bottle is more efficient and hygienic than other water bottles with filters. It actually kills those deadly waterborne viruses, like E. Coli and Salmonella. Furthermore, the self-cleaning cycle guarantees that your water stays fresh for weeks or months on end.
And since there are no replacement filters to purchase, the LARQ Bottle is more cost-effective. All you have to do is charge your bottle using the built-in USB port every few months for long-lasting purified water.
Finally, the LARQ Bottle’s super sleek and high-tech design makes it a stylish travel accessory. It comes in five different colors and is well-insulted, keeping drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.
The LARQ Bottle is also incredibly durable, so you can kick your bottle around and not put a dent in it. The charging port is waterproof too, so if you accidentally drop your bottle into a river as you’re filling it up, you don’t have to worry about ruining it.
With a LARQ Bottle, you’re doing your part to cut down on single-use plastics, you’re saving money, and you have a reliable water bottle that will stick with you through the ages. (Plus you’ll always be well hydrated!)
Final Thoughts
Made for travelers, hikers and city dwellers alike, the LARQ Bottle is a sustainable option and one of the best water bottles for travel on the market. With an advanced self-cleaning system, it’s also one of the coolest travel accessories we’ve seen!
So, if you’re looking for a simple, sleek way to keep your drinking water clean and fresh, say hello to the LARQ Bottle!
LARQ Bottle FAQs
Are LARQ water bottles worth it?
LARQ water bottles are expensive, but they’re worth it if you want to ensure your water is totally pure and germ-free.
How long does a LARQ bottle last?
A LARQ water bottle will run on a single charge for 10-12 days.
Can I drink tap water with LARQ?
Yes, the LARQ bottle is designed to be used with potable tap water only.
Does LARQ water taste different?
No, the LARQ water bottle does not affect the taste of water.
Does LARQ actually purify water?
The LARQ uses UV-C light that targets and destroys the DNA of the germs.