How Long Can You Keep Bottled Water In The Garage?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How long can I store bottled water? Unopened bottled water products can often be safely stored for years, provided the bottles are kept in the proper environment, and the plastic material of the bottle is BPA-free. When in doubt, discard or treat bottled water which is more than

6-months old

.

Can you leave bottled water in a hot garage?

“If you store the water long enough, there may be a concern,” said Ma, an Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences faculty member who has a research program at Nanjing University in China.

The UF scientist warned against leaving bottled water in a hot garage for weeks on end or in your car all day during the summer.

Do water bottles go bad in the heat?

The two year expiration date is more of guess of when the water bottle is most likely to have been exposed to heat or when it’s starting to degrade, however, the unfortunate reality is that

most water bottles are exposed to excessive heat within days of being purchased

, especially if it was purchased in the summertime.

How long does bottled plastic water last?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the bottled water industry, does not require a shelf life for bottled water. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly, but we recommend

no more than two years for non-carbonated water, and one year for sparkling water

.

How long can bottled water be stored at room temperature?

How Long Does Bottled Water Last Outside? Bottled water lasts

1-2 years

when stored at room temperature. It is not required by the FDA to label water with an expiration date but generally, water will stay fresh within the year if kept out of sunlight.

Can bottled water be stored outside?

IBWA advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature or cooler, out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners, household cleaners, and dry cleaning chemicals.

At what temperature does plastic leach into water?

While the melting points of different types of plastic vary widely, most of them are comfortably above the maximum temperature of liquid water under normal conditions, or

100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit)

.

How long can water bottles stay in the sun?

How Long Can Water Last in the Sun? The safety of bottled water in the sun is quite stable for shorter periods. The 2014 study found over

four weeks

that as exposure lengthens, chemicals increase but level out before they become unsafe.

Can you get sick from drinking old bottled water?


It’s highly unlikely old water will make you ill

However, even smelly bottles are likely just encrusted with saliva, mouth bacteria, or even some mildew or mold, and there’s likely nothing to worry about.

How do you store bottled water long term?

Replace stored water every six months.

Keep stored water in a place with a cool temperature (50–70°F)

. Do not store water containers in direct sunlight. Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances, such as gasoline or pesticides, are present.

What happens when water bottles expire?

Besides that, the expiration date on bottled water has certain benefits for the manufacturer. Although water, in and of itself, does not go bad, the plastic bottle it is contained in does “expire,” and

will eventually start leaching chemicals into the water

.

How long can bottled water last after opened?

If left in the open, your water may taste slightly different since it will absorb carbon dioxide. For this reason, the recommended period is to consume the water

3 days

following the day it was opened.

Does bottled water need to be refrigerated?


If you prefer to drink it cold, feel free to keep it in the fridge instead

. Once you open the bottle, first and foremost you need to remember to seal it tightly when not in use. Second, you can store a half-open bottle of plain old water at room temperature, but all other types are much better off in the fridge.

Does it hurt to leave bottled water in the sun?

“The hotter it gets, the more the stuff in plastic can move into food or drinking water.”

Drinking from a single water bottle left in the hot sun won’t hurt you

, but experts say consumers should avoid persistant exposure to plastic containers left in extreme heat.

Can you drink bottled water left in a car?



You should never drink from a bottle that’s been once opened and closed and left in a hot space

, since it’s a perfect environment for different bacteria to grow,” explains Kristina Hendija, MD, a medical advisor for Beardoholic.

What happens when bottled water sits in the sun?

Leaving a case of water bottles in the sun

will not cause dangerous chemicals to break down in the water

, although heat can affect the integrity of the bottle and change the taste of the water.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.