Here’s a simple checklist of what you can and can’t do — explanations follow below.
✅ You Can:
• ☕ Use for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
• 🍲 Carry soups and meals in stainless food jars
• 💧 Take water to school, work, or on the go
• 🏞 Use outdoors and when travelling
• 🧼 Wash by hand with a soft sponge
• 🍋 Remove odours with baking soda or lemon
• 🌬 Dry with the lid open
❌ You Can’t:
• 🚫 Carbonated drinks and alcohol — risk of pressure and lingering odours
• 🚫 Freeze liquids — ice expansion damages the vacuum
• 🚫 Store milk or milkshakes for long periods — bacteria growth
• 🚫 Put in the dishwasher — seal and gasket may be damaged
• 🚫 Use metal scrubbers — scratches inside
I’ve been using reusable water bottles for years, and during this time I’ve noticed how many mistakes even experienced users make. At first, I thought a bottle was just a container you fill and carry around. But the more I used mine — at work, on trips across Ireland, or hiking in Wicklow — the clearer it became: the way you treat your bottle directly affects how long it lasts and how well it works.
Why is this so important? Because single-use plastic is now rightly under scrutiny. A plastic bottle can take hundreds of years to decompose, while a good thermal bottle or travel mug can last five years or more. But choosing the right model is only the first step. The second is knowing exactly what you can and can’t do with it.
What You Can Do with Thermal Bottles and Travel Mugs
Tea and Coffee – Your Daily Companions
Most people in Ireland buy their first travel mug for coffee. These mugs and bottles are perfect for hot drinks — coffee, tea, or cocoa. They keep beverages warm for hours and don’t transfer flavour, so yesterday’s tea won’t ruin today’s cappuccino.
Soups and Meals – Stainless Food Jars
Stainless steel food jars are excellent for lunches. Soups, pasta, porridge, or curry stay warm and fresh until lunchtime. They are leakproof and don’t absorb odours, unlike plastic. Check out our Food Jars Collection.
School Bottles – A Healthy Habit for Children
Children’s bottles are safe, BPA-free, and keep drinks cool throughout the day. Kids love bright colours, and parents love the fact that backpacks stay dry. A small change that reduces single-use plastic.
Office and Commuting – The Best Everyday Choice
For office workers and hybrid professionals, a reusable travel mug is essential. In Ireland, many cafés offer discounts if you bring your own mug. A lightweight, slim design from our Mugs or stainless tumblers collection is perfect for commuting.
Nature and Adventures – From Mountains to the Sea
Durable stainless bottles are indispensable for hiking in Wicklow, camping in Galway, or surfing in Donegal. In summer, water stays icy cold, while in winter, tea remains hot for hours. Explore our Bottles.
Cold Drinks in Summer – Refreshment That Lasts
Thermal bottles aren’t just for hot drinks. Fill them with iced water or lemonade and enjoy cold refreshment for hours. Unlike plastic, they don’t sweat in your bag. For lightweight options, see our Straw Tumblers.
What You Shouldn’t Do with Thermal Bottles
Fizzy Drinks and Alcohol – Pressure Risks
Carbonated drinks release gas, which builds up pressure inside a closed thermal bottle. This can cause leaks or damage to the vacuum. Alcohol is also not recommended, as it leaves persistent odours.
Freezing – Risk of Damage
Never put a thermal bottle in the freezer. Expanding ice can deform the inner walls. To keep drinks cold, simply add ice cubes before sealing.
Milk and Perishable Drinks
Milk and milkshakes spoil quickly. Even if kept cold, bacteria multiply fast. For hygiene and safety, stick to water, tea, coffee, or soups.
Dishwashers – Hand Wash Only
High temperatures and strong detergents can damage seals. Wash travel mugs by hand with warm water and a soft sponge. To freshen up, use baking soda or lemon.
Metal Scrubbers – Protect the Lining
The inner lining scratches easily with metal brushes. Always use soft sponges or bottle brushes.
Daily Cleaning and Odour Removal
Rinse your bottle after each use with warm water and a drop of mild soap. For stubborn odours, baking soda or lemon juice works perfectly.
Drying and Storage
Always dry bottles and lids separately and store them with the lid slightly open to prevent musty smells.
Repairs and Spare Parts
If the lid or gasket breaks, don’t throw away the bottle. We offer spare parts to extend the life of your mug or flask.
Who Benefits Most from Reusable Bottles
• Eco-professionals – mugs for coworking spaces and meetings
• Students and millennials – practical bottles with straws and secure lids
• Outdoor enthusiasts – flasks for hiking, camping, and sports
• Parents – safe, leakproof bottles for children
• Corporate clients – eco-friendly business gifts for employees
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I fill it with milk? Better not — it spoils quickly.
- Can I put it in the dishwasher? No, hand wash only.
- How long will coffee stay hot? 6–8 hours in a quality travel mug.
- Are bottles safe for children? Yes, they are BPA-free and leakproof.
- What if my bottle breaks? Usually, replacing the lid or gasket is enough.
- Can I use fizzy drinks? No — pressure can damage the vacuum.
- What’s the best mug for commuting in Ireland? A slim, lightweight design from our Travel mug collection.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Over time, I’ve realised that my reusable bottles and travel mugs aren’t just accessories — they’re part of daily life. They’ll last for many years if you follow a few simple rules.
👉 Discover a wide range of mugs, bottles, food jars and stainless tumblers, all available with next-day delivery across Ireland.
Also, check out:
• Stainless Steel vs Plastic – Which Is Better for You and the Planet?
• How to Choose the Right Size Bottle – 500 ml, 1 L, or 2 L?
-Best Water Bottles in Ireland – 2025 Buying Guide
Take care of your bottle — and it will take care of your drinks, keeping them hot, cold, and always fresh.
