Stainless steel products are everywhere! Due to its corrosion-resistant and durable characteristics, stainless steel is a commonly used material in the construction, architecture, chemical processing, and food industries. We see them around our homes, offices, doctors’ clinics, factories, and other commercial establishments.
Food-grade stainless steel is the type of steel considered safe for food storage and preparation. Products made from stainless steel are popular choices for food handling and storage purposes because they are easy to clean. They also remain rust-free and can withstand frequent temperature changes.
Quality food-grade stainless steel can maintain the temperature of beverages, making it the go-to material for small food containers, including portable water bottles. It serves its purpose for a long time, but only if we maintain it well.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Get a stainless steel water bottle if you’re looking for a more sustainable alternative to a plastic beverage container! Reusable water bottles made from premium stainless steel last for years, as long as you know how to properly take care of them
Here are a few simple tips for protecting your stainless steel water bottle throughout and between each use.
1. Clean Your Water Bottle After Every Use
Clean your stainless water bottle after every use to maintain its quality. If you use it every day, clean it at the end of each day. Then, let it dry overnight. Some people who just use it for drinking water choose not to clean it as often, but washing it after every use is crucial if you fill it each day with coffee, smoothie, or any other drink. (And even if you are only drinking water, it’s still beneficial to wash your bottle each time.)
Stainless steel water bottles are easy to clean. The chromium layer prevents rust and gives the material natural antimicrobial resistance, so cleaning your water bottle is quick and easy. Scrub the interior walls of your water container each day to prevent dangerous bacteria from building up and ensure its longevity.
2. Clean it the Right Way
There are many ways to clean water bottles. One option is to scrub it with warm, soapy water. Baking soda and vinegar can also eliminate grease, grime, and odors. The best thing about these ingredients is that they are natural cleaning agents with antimicrobial properties and can clean your stainless water bottle without damaging it.
Feel free to use whatever is available in your home. It also matters how you clean it. Clean the bottle all the way to the bottom using a bottle brush or sponge. Use cotton swabs to clean the hard-to-reach areas on the lid.
While the outside of your bottle will be easy enough to dry with a towel, getting to the inside can be tricky. Allow the bottle to air dry fully.
3. Handle it with Care Every Day
As you use your water bottle daily, handle it with care to avoid dents and scratches. Some may be sold as scratch-resistant, but they can still get damaged from a fall or careless handling. Moreover, know where not to store your beverage container.
If your stainless steel water bottle is not insulated, don’t use it for storing hot water. Only insulated water containers — like Flobottle — can hold hot drinks and maintain the temperature for several hours. (More specifically, Flobottle keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.)
Never put it inside the freezer or microwave. Water expands in freezing temperatures and can break the bottle. Also, placing it inside the microwave can destroy both the microwave and the water bottle.
It’s okay to put your water bottle inside the dishwasher, but this might not be as effective as handwashing, because a dishwasher won’t get in all the nooks and crannies as well. Plus, the high temperatures can degrade the rubber seals over time.
Focus on developing a consistent cleaning routine and never put it in places where it might get destroyed.
4. Store it Properly
Take your stainless steel water bottle with you anytime, anywhere you want. You can even bring it on a plane, as long as it’s dry and empty when it goes through the security checkpoint. But what if you’re just traveling by car?
A stainless steel water bottle is one of the best options to store water in your car. It can keep your water cold while driving around during summer. And the best part is that unlike a plastic water bottle, which can leach dangerous chemicals into your drinking water if it sits in a hot car, your stainless steel water bottle will keep the water safe and healthy to drink.
When you’re not using your water container, take the cap off and place it upside down in your kitchen drying rack. Leave it dry and clean, because, in a moist environment, mold and bacteria can breed.
5. Use a Silicone Boot
Even while working from your home office, accidents happen, and your water bottle might take a tumble. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of this happening and keep your water bottle in top shape with the help of a reliable, affordable accessory.
The Flobottle Silicon Boot can protect your stainless steel water bottle from harsh terrains and surfaces. It's made of silicone and perfectly fits around the bottom of the beverage container without sliding off. It doesn't cover the entire bottle but still protects its bottom part and prevents it from falling off the table. And as always, it’s BPA-free.
Protect Your Stainless Steel Water Bottle to Ensure its Longevity
A stainless steel water bottle is one of the most durable things you can own. When you choose stainless steel over plastic, you help not just yourself but the environment. This is a small investment in Mother Nature and your health that pays dividends. As long as you protect your bottle regularly, you ensure its durability and will experience its benefits for a very long time.
