Introduction
While buying a new reusable water bottle isn't something expensive to invest in, it is something that you are going to be needing almost everyday for the rest of your life. Whether you are using it to go to work, the gym, or on a vacation or if you need to be reminded to drink more water, your reusable water bottle is always there for you
But, one question that people tend to forget to ask when buying a new reusable water bottle is
How long is it supposed to last?
That can be a very difficult question to answer, and not as simple as you might expect since many factors can contribute to the longevity of your reusable water bottle. The things that can shorten the lifespan of your reusable water bottle can range from the materials it is made out of, how well it is maintained, how durable it is, and even what it is used for.
A good reusable water bottle should not just be bought every few months, instead a good stainless steel reusable bottle can last you a lifetime, cutting your waste and saving you money.
Now let's talk about the things that contribute to the life expectancy of a reusable water bottle, and what you can do to preserve them.
Not all water bottles were created the same
When visiting a store, one will quickly notice that there is a water bottle for every budget. From the occasional-use to the durable, high-quality ones, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The primary difference is the material the water bottle is made of
Poorly made water bottles can crack, bend, lose their insulation ability, and become smelly after extended use
A high-quality stainless steel water bottle will keep these things from happening and it will make your water bottle last exponentially longer than an average plastic or low-grade stainless steel water bottle.
Average Lifespan of a Stainless Steel Bottle
There's not really an expiry on a reusable water bottle, but there are some practical considerations in regards to how long you expect to keep it.
Think about how long you'd expect to keep a good bag or piece of luggage and think of it in the same context
There are a lot of decent stainless steel bottles out there that will easily last you anywhere between 5-10 years (or even more) if taken care of right. Many times I actually know people who have had one of their reusable bottles for years and still use it to no problem
What Determines How Long Your Bottle Lasts?
There are multiple factors that can determine why your product should last longer or why it is made to last longer. Here are just some small examples of the many.
Material
Stainless steel is a heavy duty material with excellent resistance to rust
When selecting a metal, choosing a high grade stainless steel is an excellent option for your bottle. It will resist staining, will not absorb flavor, and will be far more durable than other metals.
Daily Usage
Someone who uses their own bottle once or twice a week will not see the effects of regular use as much as someone who is using it daily.
With every commute, hike, trip to the gym, and all the other activities you participate in on a daily basis your bottle is getting tossed around, dropped, and washed over and over again.
Something that is intended to keep up with your daily life should be able to withstand the test of time
Cleaning Habits
Consistent cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prolong the life of your bottle.
Leaving drinks in the bottle for an extended period can cause undesirable odors or residues.
Rinsing it out on a daily basis and doing a thorough cleaning on a regular basis, however, will ensure your drink is always as fresh as possible.
What You Drink
Water can be easily cleaned from the bottle
Coffee, tea, smoothies, juice, protein shakes or even electrolyte water may leave behind a more prominent flavor or stain than just water so it would be easier to rinse out your bottle when you finish your drink.
Storage
Make sure to let your bottle dry completely after cleaning to avoid any trapped moistureIf you have to set your bottle down to air out for an extensive amount of time, make sure you leave the cap slightly open.
How To Know When To Get A New Bottle
It may seem that if you've noticed unsightly scratches on your favorite bottle it's time to get a new one.
Most of these scratches are just souvenirs from your travels with the bottle though.As long as your bottle is keeping things cold or hot,
- Not leaking,
- Has a tight fitting lid,
- Not corroding on the inside walls,
- And can be cleaned,
- It's perfectly fine.
Think of the scratches as just a small part of your relationship with the bottle.
When To Get A New Water Bottle
- All good things have to come to an end, even the best of water bottles.
- It's time to start thinking about buying a new one if
- You have noticed a great level of damage
- There are leaks which can't be resolved by replacing the cap or stopper,
- The drinks inside aren't staying cold for very long,
- Large dents from serious accidents may have also occurred.
Internal Damage
Make sure that you do not miss any signs of internal rust or damage to the interior of the bottle.
Despite being highly unlikely that it will occur with a stainless steel bottle, replacing the bottle may be a good idea if the inner side of the container is damaged.
Simple Ways to Make Your Bottle Last Longer
Luckily, there is not much that you need to do to prolong the lifespan of your bottle.
Wash Your Bottle Frequently
Using warm water plus a bit of soap should be sufficient for normal cleaning, but remember to use a bottle brush to clean the cap, threads, and drinking end of the bottle on a regular basis as they tend to collect more grime and gunk than other surfaces
Do Not Leave Drinks In The Bottle Overnight
While drinking from them is perfectly fine, you may find yourself cleaning your bottles more often than usual if you were to leave them sitting in things like coffee, smoothies plus sports drinks for too long.
Prevent Damage To The Bottle If You're On The Go All The Time
If you're the type to toss your bottle in your bag or at the gym and forget about it try to keep them away from any metal objects that could possibly leave a mark.
Protect It While Traveling
If you're tossing your bottle in your bag or at the gym make sure to keep them away from anything with a metallic shine that could ruin them.
Silicone Bottle Boots
Can also help with keeping your bottle's base from getting marked or damaged from daily wear and tear.
Handle With Care
Although premium stainless steel is durable, no bottle is indestructible.
Dropping it on concrete a few times will eventually take its toll.
Replace Worn Accessories
Only the lid or seals may need replacing; you might not have to throw away your stainless steel companion after just a couple of years.
The Environmental Benefits of a Long-Lasting Bottle
With every reusable bottle that is used again and again, the amount of waste created by single use plastic bottles decreases.
Imagine someone who bought two disposable bottles each day, well after one year they would have thrown away more than 700 plastic bottles!
That's over a couple thousand after five years!
By having just one long lasting bottle you are doing your part to help save the environment and be a greener person.
The more you use your long-lasting bottle the more positive impact you are making on the environment.
It Can Save You Money
A good bottle tends to cost more than a cheap plastic one
however if you buy the cheap one and throw it away every few months it would end up costing you more
Also if you consider how many times you will use it over your lifetime it could be worth paying more so you don't have to continuously throw away a bottle that you use a lot instead you only have to pay for the one you bought once
Reasons Why Stainless Steel Is The Best Choice For Bottles
Many people opt for stainless steel bottles for various reasons.
The reasons include; because it is durable,
insulates better,resists rustdoes not absorb flavors,is easy to cleancan be used on a daily basisIt is more cost effective in the long run.
These are some of the reasons why people prefer stainless steel water bottles.
Choose a Bottle That Will Last
A reusable water bottle that you have to throw away every year is not something I would consider everyday essentials.
A good stainless steel water bottle that's built well, takes care of, and designed to last can help cut back on your waste while helping you drink better throughout the day.
At Loch we strive to make everyday essentials that enhance your life, and we know that a good insulated stainless steel water bottle is the companion you need to go through your day whether it be at work, at the gym, or on your next outdoor adventure.
So, the best water bottle isn't something you have to keep buying every year, it's something you carry around with you everyday.
