The LARQ Bottle Movement PureVis is the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle with a water-purification system. Is the LARQ water bottle worth it? I hope to answer that question, and others, in this comprehensive LARQ water bottle review.

I have the non-insulated single-wall version with a detachable sleeve and active loop housing a lightweight carabiner. It has a capacity of 710 ml / 24 fl oz.

How is a LARQ water bottle different?

Most reusable water bottles need to be filled with water from safe and reliable sources. They don’t purify water and must be frequently cleaned to reduce a bacteria buildup and eliminate the undesirable ‘skunky’ taste and smell that eventually seem to take over all water bottles.

Some water bottles purify water using filters or UV technology. They, too, need to be cleaned regularly.

The LARQ Bottle Movement PureVis does both. It’s a self-cleaning bottle with on-the-go water purification. The bottle stays clean and fresh, with no metallic or plastic smell or taste. At least there is none that I can detect.

Why is self-cleaning important?

According to Water Filter Guru, reusable water bottles host as many as 40,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat, twice as many germs as the kitchen sink, four times the bacteria as a computer mouse, and 14 times more than a pet’s drinking bowl.

It stands to reason that bacteria transfer from a person’s mouth with every sip, which then multiply inside the bottle, exacerbated by the fact that bacteria flourish in a moist environment. If you add a hot climate into the mix, a reusable water bottle can be a liability without a strategy to keep it clean.

While travelling, keeping reusable water bottles clean is a challenge. Ideally, a bottle should be cleaned after each use. Many can be cleaned with hot water, dish detergent, and a bottle brush, but not everyone has these readily available. And some bottles are more difficult to clean than others. Straw bottles, screw tops, and collapsible bottles present their unique challenges keeping the crevices and hard-to-reach places clean and free of bacteria.

It’s an issue for me. Keeping a reusable water bottle clean is a constant struggle. Besides, I blamed a bout of nausea in Australia on my difficult-to-clean Contigo straw bottle that has since been struck from my packing list.

How does the LARQ technology work?

LARQ uses UV-C technology, activated by tapping on the lid to bathe the inside of the bottle with UV light. There are three modes: normal, adventure, and travel.

(i) Normal mode

One tap on the lid activates normal mode, a regular cleaning and purification process lasting 60 seconds.

While in normal mode, a pulsing blue light around the rim of the lid changes to solid green when completed.

(ii) Adventure mode

Two taps activate adventure mode, a more intense three-minute sterilizing process.

During the adventure mode sterilization process, the pulsing blue light is darker and it changes to solid green upon completion.

(iii) Travel mode

If the bottle contains water, an automatic cleaning function bathes the water and the inner surface of the bottle in purifying UV-C light. This occurs every two hours, lasting for 10 seconds.

The automatic cleaning function can be paused by activating travel mode.

In travel mode, the button on the lid can be locked by holding the button for five seconds. This will block the automatic cleaning function that occurs every two hours, or accidental activation of the cleaning and purification modes. This is handy during long periods of inactivity, such as when the bottle is stored in a bag. Travel mode helps prolong the life of the charge.

Technically, self-cleaning is a fourth mode, but it requires no intervention on the user’s part. Unless travel mode is activated, the self-cleaning function is fully automated.

Can the sterilization process be trusted?

LARQ claims that the sterilization process in adventure mode is the equivalent of boiling water for 20 minutes.

The UV-C LED chips LARQ uses are energy efficient, non-toxic, and more economical than traditional mercury-based UV technology. It eradicates biological contaminants in water from both safe and questionable sources by destroying their DNA, rendering them harmless. It eliminates up to 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses in adventure mode.

How often does the LARQ bottle need to be charged?

The rechargeable UV LED light is charged via a micro-USB port. The socket is waterproof, rated IPX7, similar to the iPhone.

It takes two and a half hours to charge and it lasts up to 30 days. While it’s charging, a green light around the rim pulses green.

If the three-minute adventure mode is regularly used for purification, the charge will last less, maybe two to three weeks.

If the battery is low, the green light will pulse yellow before a cleaning cycle is completed, indicating it’s time to charge the battery.

Does the LARQ bottle ever need to be cleaned?

The UV light cleans the inside of the bottle and not the mouthpiece where it comes in contact with the mouth. This area requires manual cleaning regularly.

Also, the technology works best with clear water. Any sediments, such as dirt or plant particles, will need to be removed by rinsing out the bottle. The same applies to residue from hydration tablets or drink powders.

Are the optional sleeve and active loop necessary?

The single-wall version has an optional, detachable sleeve of premium food-grade silicone. The sleeves come in various colours, adding to the personality and attractiveness of the bottle. A sleeve promotes a better grip and offers a measure of protection from damage. I like to think a sleeve has an insulating effect, however minimal.

The active loop, also made of silicone, covers the cap, including the micro-USB charging port. It protects the cap from damage and keeps the micro-USB port free of dust and dirt. A detachable, lightweight carabiner is part of the design, offering additional carrying opportunities such as attaching the LARQ to a backpack.

LARQ water bottle review

1. What’s to like about the LARQ?

• It’s well made. The quality is top-notch. Unlike other water bottles I’ve used, it doesn’t leak.
• For what it does (self-cleaning and sterilization), it’s lightweight. When compared to other bottles using UV-C technology (e.g., CrazyCap 2.0 pictured below) its weight-to-volume ratio makes the LARQ a travel-friendly choice.

 

• It’s sleek, modern, and aesthetically pleasing, and the detachable sleeve and active loop add to its attraction and functionality.
• The mouth is a perfect size, with smooth, comfortable edges for drinking.
• The ability to clean itself is an impressive feature. Bacteria lurking in reusable water bottles are a health risk. Travelling with a bacteria-free water bottle is a confidence booster.
• The battery stays active for up to a month on a single charge.
• The micro-USB port is safe underwater. The optional active loop protects it against dust and dirt.
• It’s approved by TSA (Transportation Security Administration, USA)
• LARQ produces a non-insulated single-wall bottle and an insulated double-wall version. The insulated version keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. Both have the same bottle-cap technology.
• There are two sizes (710 ml / 24 fl oz and 950 ml / 32 fl oz).
• The bottle is made of 100% BPA-free ultra-light stainless steel.

2. Shortcomings of the LARQ

• It’s expensive. However, I’ve discarded several inexpensive bottles over the years after they’ve developed an undesirable taste and smell. It also saves the expense of replacing the filter on purification bottles that use them. The LARQ a long-term investment.
• Its sterilizing process can’t remove particulates; the water must be clear. It eradicates biological contaminants but can’t remove physical sediments. However, a LARQ Nano Zero filter system can be purchased separately. It removes particulates, microplastics, lead, chlorine, heavy metals, mercury, and more.
• The mouthpiece can’t be cleaned by UV. So, it must be cleaned of residue from lipstick, chap stick, and backwash from everyday use.
• It’s rated as handwash only.
• It’s tall and slim, so it needs a slim yet secure water bottle pocket or one with compression straps to cinch it in place. Without an attachment point for the carabiner and effective cinching capabilities, the bottle could slide out and incur damage or loss.

3. Is the LARQ water bottle worth it?

Like other reusable water bottles, it allows travellers to remain hydrated without relying on bottled water. But it goes much further than bottles that purify water using filters or UV technology. Its self-cleaning feature relieves users from constantly keeping their bottles clean. Both features simplify access to healthy, sustainable hydration anytime and anywhere.

While the LARQ bottle is more expensive than most refillable water bottles, others don’t offer the self-cleaning and water-purification capabilities of the LARQ. Keeping a water bottle free of bacteria and having the convenience and confidence of drinking safe water is worth the additional cost.

 

Might you be interested in my post, How t choose the best reusable water bottle for travel?

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