How long can I reuse my bottles until I need to start buying a new set?

[azzan.sandy]

Hi, I been home brewing for about 2 plus years out here in Nigeria… However because of my location It’s a little expensive to get things shipped this way. I have been able to acquire some 2nd hand bottles that I thoroughly cleaned and been using them since I started brewing. So far it has been fine but I just wondered if there was an expiration on these things?

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

I'm still using bottles that came with the original brew kit back into 2008, as well as bottles gathered at meetings and competitions over the years. Clean and then soak 'em good in something like PBW, and they will go on for a long time.

 

[IslandLizard]

Glass bottles can last many decades, centuries probably. Glass is pretty much impervious and is easy to clean and sanitize.
You could ask bartenders to save bottles for you too.

 

[DBhomebrew]

The bottle in your picture is probably one of the really thick ones. Good for high carb styles and a long, long life!

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

One can periodically review the condition of the bottle.

Look for hairline cracks, dirt, or other imperfections by holding the bottle in front of light source then slowly rotating the bottle.

 

[hotbeer]

Till you break them or chip them on the part where your caps seal on them they are probably good.

And as long as you and your friends don't get too rowdy, then that can be a long long time.

 

[mashpaddled]

Glass generally breaks down due to stress from striking/dropping or because the pressure inside is too much for the bottle and weakens the seams. I would venture a guess you get fairly sturdy bottles designed for reuse so you should be fine if you don't beat up the bottles or try to carbonate sparkling wine in them.

Many of the bottles we get in the US are designed for one way use so they are thinner and more prone to losing integrity at the seams from repeated use. That said, I've used those same bottles for many years to bottle condition and only ever had a couple break.

 

[patrick66]

I am using 30-year-old Grolsch bottles and just bought another batch of old Fisher bottles from a home brewer that is switching to kegging. They will last for a long time as long as you keep them clean.

 

[CharlaineC]

Well, I have bottles that are from the 1800s. I just need to replace the growler tops as long as there's no major cracks or gouges they are fine.

 

[jrgtr42]

I have been brewing for 15 years or so, and though |I mostly keg now, there's still a couple styles I bottle. I think i have a few bottles that have been around since that first batch - they probably have had 20 or 30 batches through them at this point. As others said, as long as you clean them well, and are careful about not dropping them or severely overcarbing, you should be fine indefinitely.
I make sure to rinse them well after emptying, so nothing has a chance to grow. take that minute now, it'll save you an hour later. Most of the time they just need a rinse again then sanitizing before filling again.

 

[mhk56]

I have Budwieser bottles that I have used over 20 years. They were the returnable bottles with the heavy case with dividers. No idea how long they were reused before I got them.

 

[Grizwold1]

I still have and sometimes use 3 cases of old Coors stubby bottles-have no idea what year they were originally filled at the brewery.