Reusable water bottles offer people an eco-friendlier way to stay rehydrated. Instead of purchasing another plastic bottle of water each time you’re thirsty, you can simply refill your supply.
This reduces single-plastic use and mitigates the number of plastic bottles disposed of irresponsibly. Dealt with incorrectly, plastic can end up in oceans and landfills. An easy way to mitigate this issue at the consumer level is to purchase a reusable water bottle.
Reusable water bottles are often made from stainless steel. This makes them exceptionally durable and ensures they can be used for several years, avoiding the issues described above.
Fortunately, when a reusable bottle reaches the end of its lifespan, stainless steel is 100% recyclable, ensuring it never harms the environment. While a reusable stainless steel water bottle won’t last forever, its exact service life depends on several factors.
Read on as we investigate how long users can enjoy their water bottle and when it might be time to replace it.
What factors impact how long a reusable water bottle lasts for?
The material used to make a water bottle will impact its longevity. While plastic reusable water bottles are light and cheap to buy, they are not as hardwearing as stainless steel. They can become damaged far easier if dropped or when subjected to extreme temperatures.
How you care for a water bottle is also important. Reusable plastic bottles need constant cleaning, or they can quickly develop bacteria and start to smell. Over time, chemicals like BPA contained in some plastic and aluminium bottles can seep into the water they hold and be harmful.
Stainless-steel bottles also need routine maintenance to last, but they're significantly easier to manage when compared to their plastic counterparts. They contain no BPA, never rust, and they never grow any form of mould.
How long does a stainless steel bottle last compared to a plastic one?
Cleaning experts suggest that plastic water bottles typically need replacing after a year as they start to break down. Stainless steel bottles usually only need to be retired due to standard wear and tear. This means that with proper care, a stainless-steel water bottle can provide many years of service.
How do you care for a reusable water bottle?
To protect against harmful bacteria, disinfect and clean your bottle after daily use. Many users will go weeks before washing water bottles as they don't seem dirty.
Bacteria can grow in damp and dark environments, making bottle interiors an ideal breeding ground.
To eliminate any unpleasant odours or bacteria - a solution blending water and bicarbonate is ideal. Soak bottles in this solution and use a built-for-purpose bottle brush to scrub around inside.
Another all-natural solution is to mix water and white vinegar and allow bottles to soak overnight. The next day, simply give your reusable bottle a good clean to remove any remaining residue.
Stainless-steel water bottles can be used for both hot and cold drinks but remember to empty any remaining liquid from them after use and give them a thorough clean. This simple maintenance will allow you to enjoy using your water bottle for longer.
What are the signs it is time to buy a new reusable water bottle?
Replace reusable bottles if you find that, despite giving them an intense cleaning, they retain an unpleasant odour. If the mouthpiece or lid is becoming worn and a residue is forming that is difficult to remove, it may also be time for an update.
Always examine your bottle for any signs of damage. Overall, you will find stainless steel makes for hardier water bottles that can hold up to heavy and frequent use.
Just remember, when your reusable stainless-steel water bottle has outlived its usefulness, recycle it responsibly. Many products that are 100% recyclable are thrown away with regular waste every year causing harm to our planet.
Are you ready to buy a reusable water bottle?
At Hippo Bottles, we are dedicated to creating eco-friendly products and reducing the usage of single-use plastic packaging.
From the 1st Edition 500ml Savannah bottle that launched our brand to the wide range of accessories we offer like stainless steel straws and BPA free cleaning brushes, all our products are ethically made. If you’re ready to go green with an investment you’ll enjoy for many years to come, browse our store today.