Dear Tess,
I have been saving my vinegar bottles to use as water bottles. Is this safe?
Bless you, Deb
Answer:
That’s a great question. There are many preppers who apply the method of using what they have on hand to get ahead on their prepping endeavors. As long as the containers you are using are food-grade plastic or glass containers, they are suitable for water storage. You can use any plastic or glass container that previously held food or liquid, e.g., soda and water bottles, vinegar containers, juice, punch for milk jugs, etc. Stainless steel that has not been or will not be treated with chlorine can also be used to store water (Chlorine is corrosive to metals).
Be sure to clean the used containers and lids thoroughly with hot soapy water, rinse them well with water, and sanitize the containers and lids by submerging them in a solution of 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Leave the containers wet for two minutes and then rinse them again with water. A note on vinegar bottles, is the flavor of vinegar may not be able to get out of the bottle.
Be sure to remove all paper or plastic lid liners before washing the lids. It is difficult to effectively remove all residue from many containers, so carefully clean hard-to-reach places like the handles of milk jugs. To sanitize stainless steel containers, place container in boiling water for 10 minutes. Never use containers that previously held chemicals.
I hope this helps, Deb, and thanks again for your questions.
Tess