Re-using Large Juice Plastic Bottles?

[*pixie*dust*]

I know this is kind of OT but I had to ask. Can you re-use those large plastic containers that apple juice come it? I have a couple of really sturdy ones that I was going to wash and re-use for lemonade or one of those other juice concentrate things. My co-worker was mortified by this idea. She said that is the perfect way to get a major bacteria infection. That those kinds of containers should NEVER be reused. I was going to wash it. Did I miss something? Is this a huge bacteria risk?

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I think it's just if you don't wash it really well first. I've heard the same thing about reusing water bottles. I have used the juice bottles for lemonade, then I could put it in the cooler for picnics and day trips, we haven't gotten sick from it .

 

[3boymthr]

The problem with re-using water bottles, etc. is that most people don't wash them so after a while the bacteria builds up there was a big article about it - something about people will wash the water bottles they buy but not the ones that you buy water in . As far as I know, you can re-use if you clean them thoroughly between each use. many of them are sturdy enough to go thru the dishwasher if you want to sanitize them. I have re-used juice bottles for picnics, camping etc without a problem with illness. Usually they crack before I can use them more frequently than once or twice.

If you are looking for something safe to put juice in that the kids can't break I recommend heading to your local Bed Bath and Beyond or similar store and picking up a metal one like they use in restaurants. Totally indestructable and not very expensive (@$15). I've had mine for 10 years now goes in the Dishwasher no problem.

 

[Mooshu]

I'm actually reuse my juice bottles and I haven't gotten sick yet.

I clean them out with Denture tablets, soak them with hot water and rinse, and I use a bottle brush if necessary.

I think I got used to using Denture tablets for my camel bags and water bottles, instead of having the soapy after taste.

 

[Disneefun]

The problem isn't necessarily bacteria -- a thorough wash will take care of it. The problem is that those types of bottles aren't designed to be reused long term and the plastic will start to break down and leach into your beverages. They aren't made from a plastic that can take a lot of use and abuse. This is particularly true if you subject them to heat and abrasion (like in the dishwasher or hand scrubbing). I might use one once or twice after it's initial use, but not much more than that. I'd feel better about buying some other sort of container designed for multiple uses.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I have reused plastic containers of all kinds for years now. We are just fine, very healthy !

 

[powellrj]

We have used ours for years too. We always use our to make iced tea with. They are the perfect size. We use to use them when they were glass, and when the switch was made to plastic, we just made the switch too!

 

[darthspud]

I'm actually reuse my juice bottles and I haven't gotten sick yet.

I clean them out with Denture tablets, soak them with hot water and rinse, and I use a bottle brush if necessary.

I think I got used to using Denture tablets for my camel bags and water bottles, instead of having the soapy after taste.

I NEVER thought about denture tablets thats brilliant! I will have to get me some

 

[4Seasons]

I have reused plastic containers of all kinds for years now. We are just fine, very healthy !

Same here. Have done this ever since my kids were very little.
After washing in hot, soapy water I put about a tablespoon of bleach in it and fill 3/4 way with hot water. Put on the cap, swish around and let sit for 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. I do this after every use.

 

[Purseval]

We reuse plastic water bottles all the time. If it's killing us it's happening too slowly to notice.

 

[timzagain]

We reuse juice and water bottles all the time and we've never become sick.

I wash them with warm soapy water and rinse them thoroughly just like I would with any other utensil or dish! No problems whatsoever!

Reusing/ repurposing is great for the environment.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I've re-used them as ice blocks. When we're heading to WDW and want to take a cooler with cold stuff in it, I fill 2 juice bottles (whatever we've most recently finished: Mott's Apple or Welch's Grape) with water and put them in my chest freezer for a week. They keep the cooler very cold and as a bonus, we have good water that we're used to, to drink in our room for our whole trip.

 

[jj0plin]

The problem isn't necessarily bacteria -- a thorough wash will take care of it. The problem is that those types of bottles aren't designed to be reused long term and the plastic will start to break down and leach into your beverages. They aren't made from a plastic that can take a lot of use and abuse. This is particularly true if you subject them to heat and abrasion (like in the dishwasher or hand scrubbing). I might use one once or twice after it's initial use, but not much more than that. I'd feel better about buying some other sort of container designed for multiple uses.

Exactly! I would definitely not reuse any that do not say BPA free on them. BPA from recycled plastic is leaking into foods and drinks and caused many health problems.... for one it raises estrogen levels might contribute to some cancers, may be contributing to obesity, neurological problems, and thyroid issues and it is especially dangerous to babies and children. I'd just buy bottles made from BPA free plastic that is meant to be reused to be safe.

 

[wdwfan16]

You need to check the plastic code on the bottom of the bottle. Certain plastics, such as tupperware or gladware, are safe to reuse and others are not.

 

[simonsmom]

you people re-using them are crazy. you are not gong to get sick -lke have cold syptoms next week, you are going to develop cancer later in life. Is it really worth it??????

 

[hsmamato2]

the 'soft' plastic bottles usually contain BPA,known cancer causing agents. A few years ago people realized that it could break down and leach into the beverages. And it does. It will likely be years before we start to see what horrors this can cause on our already overloaded human bodies,but since it's already proven to be dangerous,I personally limit these bottles in our home.
Any plastic like this,gets dangerous when re-used,warmed,etc. Hot water,a dishwasher,sitting in a warm car,etc causes leaching.
We have our own re-usable stainless bottles for hiking,etc. We rarely buy throwaway water bottles,and when we do,we just recycle them.
Re-using ANY soft plastic container the wrong way leaches chemicals into our drink/foods.
Bacteria isn't an issue if it's washed with hot soapy water,but there are other,better reasons to avoid re-using these bottles. Even the juice ones. Just buy 2-3 good pitchers for making your juices daily.