How Long Do You Keep Your Water Bottle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

“Plastic water can start to break down after continued use and need to be replaced

about once a year

,” Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer at The Cleaning Authority, told POPSUGAR. “Glass bottles have a long shelf life, but can break easily, so they aren't ideal for those with an active lifestyle.

How long can you use Plastic water bottles?

On the basis of all the information available on this issue I would advise you don't re-use a plastic water bottle for more than

three or four weeks

, just to be on the safe side. You may want to consider a reusable glass bottle as an alternative.

Do water bottles expire?

Bottled water can expire

Though water itself doesn't expire,

bottled water often has an expiration date

. In 1987, New Jersey became the first and only U.S. state to pass a law requiring that all food products — including bottled water — have an expiration date of 2 years or less from the date of manufacture.

When should you throw out a water bottle?


When water becomes ice and pushes on the bottle and the bottle becomes brittle from the low freezer temperatures

, disaster strikes. If you like to freeze your bottle water you might need to get one of the freezable water bottle, I had wrote some on this post here. Try to avoid dropping your water bottle.

Are water bottles reusable?

If you happen across a water bottle marked with a “2,”

you can reuse it as long as it's washed well and not cracked or otherwise damaged

. This type of plastic is a low risk for chemical leaching. Concerns with type-7 plastics. Not all plastics classified as “7” have BPA, but some do.

Can you get sick from drinking old 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 often should you reuse a plastic water bottle?

Health advocates advise against reusing bottles made from plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET or PETE), including most disposable water, soda, and juice bottles. 3 Such bottles may be safe for one-time use but

reuse should be avoided

.

How do you store water for years?

Fill bottles or jugs directly from the faucet. Cap tightly and label each container with the words “Drinking Water” and the date stored. Store sealed containers in a dark, dry, and cool place. If after six months you have not used the stored water, empty it from the containers and repeat steps 1 through 3 above.

How long can I reuse a plastic bottle?

Manufacturers design plastic bottles for

one-time use only

. They can be reused conservatively, provided they've not experienced any wear and tear. Swapping out plastic bottles for more permanent solutions, such as bottles made from stainless steel, is better for your health and for the environment.

When should you replace plastic bottles?

Bottles, in general, should be replaced

every 4 to 6 months

. When it is time to replace your baby's bottles it is time to assess if your baby is ready to move up a nipple size. The nipples of your baby bottles should be replaced every 1 to 2 months even if they do not show signs of damage.

What can you do with old reusable water bottles?

  • Measure liquid. …
  • Carry dry food mixes. …
  • Mix without a spoon. …
  • Refill your pet's water bowls. …
  • Water plants. …
  • Hold fresh-cut flowers. …
  • Spare change holder. …
  • Use your old bottle as a new cooking tool.

Is it safe to drink from old plastic water bottles?

Drinking from disposable a plastic bottle

may lead to chemical leaching and toxicity

. Chemical leaching occurs when heat causes the toxic chemicals from the plastic to be released into the water.

What happens if you don't wash your water bottle?

So it's not shocking that reusable water bottles, left unwashed,

can become a breeding ground for bacteria and a safe haven for poop particles

. Whether plastic or metal, screw top or squeeze, bottles that go days between cleanings can leave us gulping down germs with every drink.

Can you get sick from water bottle?


If you do not clean your reusable water bottle on a daily basis, then it could harbor harmful bacteria that could make you sick

. Unwashed bottles can accumulate bacteria and can be dirtier than dog bowls and kitchen sinks, for example.

Can you drink 4 day old water?


You should avoid drinking water left open for a very long time

. The water left overnight or for a long period of time in an open glass or container is home to numerous bacterias and is not safe for drinking. You never know how much dust, debris, and other small microscopic particles might have passed into that glass.

Can bacteria grow in water bottles?


Bacteria, fungi and even mold can thrive in a water bottle

, thanks mainly to its moist environment. Simply rinsing the bottle out with water isn't sufficient, and care must be taken when cleaning bottles that have attached straws and narrow-mouth lids with lots of nooks and crannies.

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.

Why You Should Never refill a plastic water bottle?

This

harmful chemical can leach into the water and quickly grow dangerous bacteria in the bottle's cracks

—that's one of the reasons you should stay away from straws, too—and the health consequences are pretty serious.

How do you know if a plastic bottle is reusable?

You'll see

all plastic products are labeled with the recycling symbol with a number—from one to seven—inside

. If your container is made of plastic #1, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), you shouldn't reuse it according to the Sierra Club's plastic guide—instead just recycle these containers.

Can you reuse gallon water bottles?

Let's explore each of those reasons in more detail. So some people ask the question of whether plastic 5-gallon bottles can be safely reused.

The answer is a resounding yes

! All of our plastic 5-gallon (and 3-gallon) jugs are made from 100% PET (BPA-free).

How long can you store water in 5 gallon jugs?

As stated, the shelf life of 5-gallon bottles is

up to two years

. The water will not go bad at that point. Yet, it may develop a stale taste. The jug itself lasts indefinitely as it is made from food-grade plastic or glass.

Can you drink rain water?

While

most rainwater is perfectly safe to drink

, even cleaner than most public water supply, it is important to understand that all water can have potential hazards associated with it if it is not run through a proper decontamination process.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.