Do you know exactly when to get rid of your reusable water bottle? No, they won’t stay perfect forever.
It seems like everyone you encounter has a form of reusable drinkware these days, whether it be a Chilly’s bottle, a Hydro Flask, or a Stanley cup – some own more than one.
In fact, in 2015, just 20% of people in the UK owned a reusable water bottle, with figures from Refill estimated to have risen to 60% in 2023.
Basically, it’s a booming business, with the European refillable bottle market estimated to rise 40% on £1.5billion by 2028.
So, while reusable bottles aren’t disappearing anytime soon, it’s important to know how to take care of them if you have one, especially when your health – and life – is at risk.
A Taiwanese man ended up with lead poisoning from using a metal bottle for too long. Ultimately, he developed pneumonia, a serious lung condition, and later died.
As reported by local media, the unnamed individual had been enduring health problems for a year before blood tests confirmed the lead poisoning. The high levels of toxins in his blood prompted an investigation, with medics informed that he had used the same thermos every day for 10 years.
Upon inspecting it, they saw the lining beginning to corrode, plus signs of rust, perhaps caused by the acidic fizzy drinks he often put inside it.
While it’s unknown exactly when the bottle’s wear and tear might have started to affect him, it’s believed that, by the time he sought help, it was already too late.
As such, experts are issuing warnings to those with reusable bottles to prevent tragedy.
When does a reusable water bottle expire?
Metal water bottles are the most common, which is great because they are durable, hygienic, and reduce plastic waste.
They also have a long lifespan with no hard expiration date. However, if you start to notice cracks, dents, or scratches, particularly in or around the seal, it’s probably time to replace it.
It is estimated that a stainless steel bottle can last up to 12 years, thanks to its sturdiness and ability to withstand direct sunlight.
These warnings include ensuring that your drinking bottles are made of high-quality, food-grade materials, such as 304 stainless steel.
It is also not advised to store acidic or carbonated beverages in them, including fizzy drinks and fruit juice.
When to get rid of your reusable water bottle
- It starts to smell
- It becomes cracked, dented, or scratched
- In or around the lid or seal is damaged or discoloured in any way
Janilyn Hutchings, a certified professional in food safety at StateFoodSafety, explained to Delish last year: ‘This might seem obvious, but reusable water bottles don’t last forever. Over time, water, and especially more acidic drinks like lemonade, slowly break down the material your bottle is made of.’
She added: ‘If you are cleaning or sanitising your water bottle using methods that are not approved for that material or water bottle that you’re working with, that means that you can accidentally be doing damage to the structural integrity of that bottle.’
So, while a bottle can last for several years if properly cared for, experts suggest discarding it after two to three years if you use it constantly.
In the meantime, you must clean your bottles regularly – and here’s how.
How to clean your reusable water bottle
Simply rinsing your bottle with cold water after use isn’t enough to eradicate the build-up of bacteria, which then comes back into contact with your mouth.
It’s recommended to clean your reusable bottle with hot water (over 60 degrees Celsius) and swirl washing up liquid around it.
Leave the bottle for 10 minutes to soak before rinsing thoroughly with hot water again. This is your best chance of killing off all pathogens.
Since bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, you should allow your bottle to air dry completely before using it.
Finally, wash your hands before touching your squeaky clean bottle again.
Repeat this cleaning process at most after each use. At the very least, do it a few times per week, especially if you’re using the bottle daily.
Another thing to remember is that you definitely shouldn’t wait until your bottle develops a bit of a stench before cleaning it. That’s a telltale sign that it belongs in the bin!
