Properly storing water bottles when they are not in use is important for keeping the water fresh and the bottle clean. Here are some tips for storing water bottles:
Keep Bottles Out of Direct Sunlight
Exposing plastic water bottles to direct sunlight can cause chemicals in the plastic to leach into the water. This can negatively impact the taste and quality of the water. When possible, store water bottles in a pantry, cabinet, or other place away from windows and sunlight. A refrigerator is an ideal storage place.
Store Bottles Upright
Water bottles should be stored upright rather than on their side. Storing bottles horizontally can cause water to leak out of the cap. It can also cause the bottle to take on a plastic taste from contact between the water and bottle.
Consider How Long Bottles Will Be Stored
If you will be storing a water bottle for more than a day or two, consider the bottle material. Disposable plastic water bottles are not ideal for long term storage as chemicals can leach into the water over time. Stainless steel or glass bottles are better for storing water for a week or longer.
Wash Bottles Before Refilling
Be sure to wash water bottles with soap and hot water before refilling them. This helps remove any residues or bacteria that could impact water taste or quality. Avoid just rinsing bottles out between uses.
Tips for Storing Bottles Short Term
Short term water bottle storage means keeping a bottle for 1-2 days max before refilling it. Here are some tips:
Storage Locations
For short term storage, the most important factor is keeping bottles out of direct sunlight and away from hot places. Good locations include:
- Kitchen pantry or cupboard – Avoid near the oven where heat builds up
- Office desk drawer or cabinet
- Bedside table or nightstand – If it won’t get any direct sunlight
- Reusable grocery tote – Keep the tote out of hot cars and direct sun
While the refrigerator is ideal, it may take up too much space if you have multiple bottles in rotation day to day. Focus on covered, shaded areas.
Lay Bottles Down
For short term use, it is fine to lay plastic water bottles on their side in a cupboard, drawer, or bag. The plastic will not leach much into the water overnight or for a couple days. You want to avoid long term sideways storage.
Never Store Bottles Near Chemicals
Avoid storing water bottles near household cleaners, pesticides, paint supplies, auto supplies, and other chemicals. These can leach through plastic and contaminate your drinking water. Keep bottles separate from chemical storage areas.
Tips for Long Term Water Bottle Storage
For long term storage:
Use Glass or Stainless Steel Bottles
Single use plastic water bottles are not suitable for long term storage. Over days or weeks, the plastic breaks down and leaches chemicals. Use BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, or glass bottles.
Clean Bottles First
Before storing bottles long term, wash thoroughly with hot soapy water. This removes residues that could impact taste or water quality over time.
Fill with Potable Water
Do not store bottles long term with tap water as the chlorine can breakdown over weeks. Fill bottles with filtered or distilled water. This provides better tasting water long term.
Store Bottles Upright
Never store bottles sideways long term. Always keep upright to avoid water contacting the plastic sides. Store with caps tight.
Keep Bottles in Dark, Cool Places
For long term storage, the refrigerator is ideal as it is cool and dark. Other good spots are a basement, pantry, or any place shaded, out of sunlight, and cooler.
How to Store Reusable Bottles
Reusable water bottles require some special care:
Dry Bottles Between Uses
Bacteria and molds can grow in wet bottles. After using your reusable bottle, empty any remaining water and let air dry before tightening the cap for storage.
Use a Bottle Brush
Over time, residues can build up in reusable bottles. Use a bottle brush and hot soapy water to thoroughly clean the bottle each week. This prevents growth of bacteria.
Check for Cracks
Inspect reusable bottles for cracks in the plastic or lid. Cracks allow bacteria to grow. Replace bottles that develop cracks or cloudy plastic.
Consider a UV Sanitizing Case
Investing in a UV sanitizing case helps kill germs and bacteria that build up in reusable bottles. This is ideal for bottles taken on the go.
Rotate Multiple Bottles
Having 2-3 reusable bottles that you rotate through each day allows a full 24 hours for drying between uses. Rotating bottles helps maximize hygiene.
How to Disinfect Water Bottles
To fully disinfect water bottles and kill bacteria:
Boiling Water Method
Boil water and pour it into the bottle. Allow to sit 5 minutes before emptying and air drying upside down. The hot temperature kills bacteria.
Vinegar and Water Solution
A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water helps kill bacteria and remove mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly.
Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting
3% hydrogen peroxide solutions can be used to disinfect bottles. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Antibacterial Wipes
Wipe the interior and lid of bottles thoroughly with antibacterial wipes containing bleach or alcohol to kill germs. Air dry fully.
UV Light Sterilizers
A UV sanitizing case or wand purifies bottles using UV light. This kills 99% of bacteria.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda scrub removes residues while vinegar disinfects. Rinse bottles well afterward.
How to Remove Bad Smells from Bottles
If reusable bottles develop odors:
Clean with Baking Soda
Make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub the bottle. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Baking soda inhibits bacteria growth.
Use Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice eliminates odors in bottles. Squeeze juice in bottle, shake, and rinse out.
Clean with Vinegar
White vinegar kills bacteria that causes odors. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Rinse bottle thoroughly after cleaning.
Try Denture Cleaning Tablets
Drop 1-2 denture cleaning tablets into the bottle with warm water. Allow to sit overnight, then rinse in the morning.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide solutions remove stains and kill germs leading to smells. Rinse fully afterward.
How to Store Water Jugs
For storing large water jugs, like those used in water coolers:
Store Jugs Upright
Always store water jugs standing upright. Laying them down can cause the spigot to leak or break. Standing upright also keeps the plastic cap immersed so it does not dry out and become more permeable.
Use Within 6 Months
Change out water jugs every 6 months even if they have water remaining. The plastic can start leaching chemicals into the water over time.
Check for Leaks
Inspect water jugs to ensure they have no cracks or leaks, especially around the base spigot. Leaks allow bacteria to enter.
Keep Jugs in Cool Areas
Stand jugs in cool, shaded areas away from direct sun. Temperature fluctuations from hot spots can cause plastic to break down faster.
Clean Spigots and Caps
Wipe down the jug’s spigot and screw cap regularly. These are handled frequently and can collect germs.
Water Bottle Storage Considerations by Material
Factors to consider based on bottle material:
Plastic
- Avoid storing in hot places as heat causes chemicals to leach
- Store away from direct sunlight which causes breakdown
- Discard if there is any cloudiness in the plastic
- Not suitable for long term storage
Stainless Steel
- Prone to forming rust if stored wet
- Can impart a metallic taste over time
- Can withstand very hot and cold conditions
- Heavy compared to plastic or glass
Glass
- Prone to breaking if dropped
- Heavier than plastic bottles
- Keeps water tasting fresh longer than plastic
- Can withstand hot and cold temperatures
Aluminum
- Susceptible to dents if dropped
- Risk of aluminum leaching into water over time
- Lightweight and shatterproof
- Can leave a metallic taste if stored long term
Water Bottle Storage Temperature Guide
| Storage Timeframe | Ideal Storage Temperature |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 days | Room temperature |
| Up to a week | Up to 75° F |
| 2 weeks to a month | 65° to 72° F |
| 1 to 3 months | 55° to 60° F |
| 3 to 6 months | Under 55° F |
In general, the cooler the storage temperature the better for longer term storage. The refrigerator offers ideal dark, cool conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you store plastic water bottles in the fridge?
Yes, the refrigerator provides ideal storage conditions – cool, dark, and shielded from sun exposure. For short term storage of a couple days, the fridge is highly recommended but not essential.
Do water bottles expire?
Water itself does not expire, but over time plastic water bottles can start leaching chemicals into the water, affecting the taste and quality. How long it takes depends on storage conditions. Heat and sun exposure accelerate breakdown. Replace bottles that look cloudy or warped.
Should reusable bottles be stored in the fridge?
Yes, the refrigerator is the best place to store reusable water bottles, keeping water cool and bottles contaminant free. Take bottles out 30 minutes before refilling so the temperature equalizes to avoid condensation inside.
How do you get rid of plastic taste from water bottles?
To remove plastic taste from bottles, try soaking in a baking soda and water solution before rinsing thoroughly. Vinegar solutions also help remove residues that cause plastic tastes. Avoid storing bottles in warm places over long periods.
Where is the best place to store bottled water at home?
The best place to store bottled water at home is in a pantry or cupboard away from heat and sunlight. The refrigerator is even better if space allows, as the cool, dark interior prevents breakdown of plastic and growth of bacteria.
Conclusion
Properly storing water bottles is important for keeping water fresh tasting and preventing build up of bacteria and plastic residues. The key things to remember are:
– Avoid direct sunlight and hot places
– Store bottles upright and tightened
– Use glass or stainless bottles for long term storage
– Clean and sanitize bottles regularly
– Refrigerate bottles for ideal cool, dark conditions
Following these guidelines allows you to safely store water in bottles for short or long term periods and enjoy fresh, contaminant-free water whenever needed.
