Caring For Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Stainless steel water bottles are much better for the environment and your health. Many people are discovering the ease and convenience of a reusable metal bottle that doesn't contain dangerous chemicals like a plastic bottle does. Here are some tips for washing and caring for one of these environmentally friendly containers.

When you first purchase a stainless steel water bottle, many manufacturers advise cleaning it before first use. The majority of metal bottles are made in China. In order to both clean your new drinking container and remove the "metallic taste" many people complain of in their bottles, it is best to soak the bottle in a sink full of cold water and vinegar overnight. Vinegar is the chief cleaning agent recommended for this type of drinking container as the vinegar chemically interacts with the metal and removes dirt and impurities present on the surface. Although these types bottles are sturdy enough to be cleaned in the dishwasher, it can compromise the seams on some models so hand washing is preferred.

If you don't feel that vinegar on its own is cleaning your bottle thoroughly enough, rice can be added to the inside with the vinegar. Shake well and your bottle will be like new. Baking soda is another additive you can use with vinegar to improve the cleaning chemical interaction. Like plastic water bottles, stainless steel bottles will "sweat" or form condensation on the outside, but this can be easily remedied with a "sleeve" or insulating tote for the bottle. Incidentally, insulating totes also allow you to put hot liquids in your bottle as well.

The downside of steel bottles is their inability to be frozen. This is due partially to the rigidity of the metal and the way water expands when frozen and partially to the stress freezing and thawing puts on the seams of the bottle. Most stainless steel bottles are made from food-grade steel which is an 18/8 or "18% chromium, 8% nickel, and the rest iron". Another common bottle grade is "surgical grade" steel which is designated with the abbreviation 18/10. All stainless steel has chromium to "give the metal scratch and corrosion resistance" while "nickel provides a smooth and polished finish." "Since Stainless Steel contains nickel, those that are allergic should avoid stainless steel water bottles." These types of bottles are easy to care for and much better for the environment than plastic bottles. Why not consider investing in one today?