All About Cold water
Your complete guide to cold water - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cold water Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cold water in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
In a clean, covered container in the fridge1-3 days (optimal quality); up to 5 days (safe)
Signs of Spoilage
Stale or 'off' taste (e.g., metallic, plastic-y from container, or absorbed refrigerator odors), cloudy appearance (rare, indicates contamination), visible particles, or a slimy film/biofilm on the container walls (if left for extended periods or container wasn't clean).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for clarity, any floating particles, or film on the container's surface or sides. Smell test: Sniff for any unusual odors (e.g., sulfur, chemical, or stale smells). Taste test: Take a small sip to check for staleness, flatness, or off-flavors. Discard if any of these signs are present.
Storage Tips
Water itself doesn't 'spoil' in the microbial sense quickly if clean, but its quality (taste and freshness) degrades. It can absorb odors from the fridge. Always use a thoroughly cleaned, food-grade container. If drinking directly from an opened commercial bottle, consume within 1-2 days due to bacteria introduced from the mouth.
Unopened commercial bottled water (at room temperature)'Best by' date on the bottle (typically 1-2 years); indefinitely safe for consumption beyond this date if bottle integrity is maintained, though quality may degrade.
Signs of Spoilage
Damaged or leaking bottle, a compromised seal, visible particles or discoloration (very rare, indicates contamination or extreme conditions), or an off-taste due to plastic leaching (especially if exposed to heat or direct sunlight).
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check the bottle for cracks, leaks, swelling, or a broken seal. Date check: Note the 'best by' date for optimal quality. Storage conditions: Consider if the bottle has been exposed to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or stored near chemicals or strong odors.
Storage Tips
The 'best by' date primarily relates to the degradation of the plastic bottle and the potential for chemicals to leach into the water, affecting taste. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong-smelling chemicals or foods.