How often you should change your water bottle - and delaying could make you ill

13 January 2024 , 12:00

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It's important to replace your reusable water bottle at regular intervals to prevent illness (Image: Getty Images)

If you are one of the many people now carrying a reusable bottle to keep hydrated you need to know how often you should change it to prevent illness - and experts have revealed when you should buy a new one.

We are all more environmentally aware these days and one of the ways we can help to reduce waste is by ditching plastic water bottles and switching to reusable ones. Thankfully many of us are now doing this and last year Refill, the anti-disposables campaign, said almost 60% of us are now proud owners of a reusable bottle.

However, despite their title, they still need to be replaced at regular intervals to prevent us getting sick through bacteria growth inside them. Experts at Universal Drugstore have revealed when you should replace the different varieties of bottles.

They advise that glass water bottles should be changed every two to three years, while plastic bottles need to be switched up yearly. Stainless steel versions really only need replacing when they show wear and tear or get damaged. They recommend investing in protective accessories like sleeves or cases that are specially designed to help prevent damage occurring.

Of course as well as changing them up, you need to make sure you’re looking after them properly while in use and proper cleaning is a major factor in preventing any illness caused by germs inside the bottle or around the lids.

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Reusable bottles should be sanitised to prevent bacteria build-up and this can also help to extend their lifespan. They now often come with features that facilitate easy cleaning, such as having wide openings, removable lids, or dishwasher safety features to help make maintenance hassle-free. Similarly, some reusable water bottles come with anti-microbial coatings, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mould while improving hygiene.

You should also replace seals and caps when needed to maintain your bottle’s functionality and prevent leaks. Avoiding extreme temperatures such as direct sunlight or freezing temperatures is also a top tip to help prolong its life.

When it comes to choosing a new water bottle Dr Jamie Winn advises looking for a BPA free one: "Single-use plastic bottles may contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, that can leach into water, especially when exposed to heat or used for a long time," he says. "Opting for more high-quality, BPA-free reusable water bottles reduces exposure to such chemicals."

Do you use a reusable water bottle? Let us know in the comments below.

Beth Hardie