How Long Can Bottled Water Sit Out After Opened? 

Bottled water does not spoil, but it can become contaminated with microorganisms that can make you sick. Keeping the water in a clean container and storing it at the right temperature can help prevent this from happening. 

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How long can bottled water sit out after opened?

As long as the water is not exposed to heat or sunlight and you have the bottle sealed tightly, it will stay good for a very long time. In fact, many bottled water companies print a two-year expiration date on their bottles, and it is recommended to use these dates as a guide for how long you should store your bottled water. 

Generally speaking, the best thing to do is to finish the bottle within a few days of the date on the label. This will help keep the water tasting fresh, and it should also help it last a bit longer in the fridge. 

However, it is important to know that if the bottle has been open for longer than the recommended period, you should discard the water. This is because bacteria can start to grow in the water once it has been left open for a long period of time. 

When it comes to flavored, carbonated, and vitamin water, the water will lose its taste after several months past the best-by date, but this is not a major problem. You can still drink the water, but it will not be as delicious or as healthy as when you first purchased it. 

You should also note that if you do not refrigerate your water, it will likely lose its carbonation as well, which can affect the way it tastes. This is why it is so important to refrigerate any bottled water that you are planning on drinking after the best-by date has passed. 

Using a plastic ice cube tray will help to prolong the shelf life of your water, but you should always remember to replace the ice cubes before they melt. This will also help to ensure that you have fresh ice on hand when you need it. 

Another way to extend the shelf life of your bottled water is to purchase an aluminum bottle. This will help to keep the water at a higher pH level for longer than if you were to buy plastic containers or glass bottles. 

Storage hacks for bottled water

If you have a lot of bottles and aren’t sure where to put them, consider repurposing a hanging shoe bag. Hang it from the inside of a cabinet door to create a handy spot for storing your bottles. 

You can even hang it from the bottom of a low drawer to make grabbing your bottle easier. Then you don’t have to rummage through a messy kitchen drawer or mudroom closet for your water! 

A wire coat hanger looped over the handle of a bottle will make it easy to keep your bottles hung up and out of the way. This is especially useful in a mudroom or classroom, but it will work in your home too.