Hydrogen bottles offer a simple yet effective way to enjoy hydrogen-rich water anytime, anywhere. But to truly benefit from them, it’s essential to USE THEM THE RIGHT WAY. These compact machines infuse water with hydrogen gas in just minutes, making it easier to incorporate antioxidant-rich hydration into your daily routine.
Over the years, I’ve tested various hydrogen water bottles, jugs, and pitchers from leading brands, learning what works best for different models. In this guide, I’ll share a step-by-step approach to using your bottle correctly, along with PRACTICAL TIPS to enhance your experience.
Precautions To Take
Now, before we know how to use a hydrogen water bottle, I feel that it is equally crucial to first understand what NOT to do with it. Besides, this will also ensure its longevity and flawless working.
Always use the original charging cable included in the packaging of your hydrogen water jar. Do not utilize computer chargers or fast chargers as an experiment. Follow this tutorial for the right process.
Make sure to charge your bottle for 2 hours (or as specified by the manufacturer) before loading it with tap water.
To prevent damage to your hydrogen water generator, do not disassemble its parts.
Do not overtighten the generator module or part. The generator segment contains a silicone seal, which might be damaged if you tighten it too much.
Do not place an electric hydrogen bottle in the refrigerator or expose it to extreme heat or cold temperatures. It should be kept in cool room temperature conditions and away from direct sunlight.
Use regular tap water in your hydrogen generator. Beverages such as tea, coffee, fruit juice, or any other unapproved liquids must never be poured inside it.
Pour only the volume of water that is permitted, or marked on the container. Do not overfill it.
Be careful not to drop or cause any impact to the bottle since it contains sensitive components.
Make sure to place the generator on a smooth and flat surface so that the gas release vent or valve remains unobstructed.
Do not power ON when the bottle is empty.
Before using a hydrogen water machine, we need to remember that it is a sophisticated device and not just any ordinary bottle. So, exercising caution will help ensure both our safety, as well as that of the device.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Using A Hydrogen Water Bottle
Finally, here are the best practices to use a hydrogen bottle, considering that it is fully charged. These steps are easy to follow, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare hydrogen water.
A. The Initial Setup
When I first tried a hydrogen water bottle, I did not care to read the user manual provided in the kit. I was so excited to prepare my own water at home that I totally skipped the initial precautionary step.
However, I learned the lesson now and would suggest that you do not commit the same mistake as I did. When you are about to utilize your hydrogen water jar for the first time, follow this step first, and then go ahead with the steps mentioned for regular use.
Before using it for the very first time, clean your bottle – pour tap water, electrolyze it 3 to 4 times, and discard it. Do not drink it.
Why you ask? Well, here are the reasons, that no one will tell you-
- Removing Residual Manufacturing Substances: The initial electrolyzing process helps to remove any residual chemicals, oils, or dust that may have been left on the internal components during manufacturing. These substances could be harmful if ingested.
- Activating the Electrolysis Plates: Electrolyzing the water several times helps to activate and condition the electrolysis plates or membranes inside the bottle. It also helps to optimize the performance and lifespan of the components, ensuring the generator functions correctly and effectively over time.
B. Using Hydrogen Water Bottles Regularly
After the first time cleanup, follow the steps mentioned below for every time you are about to use your hydrogen water machine.
1. Setting Up The Bottle
Before anything else, make sure the hydrogen water generator is placed on a smooth and flat surface. This step is crucial because if the gas release vent or valve gets blocked, it can interfere with proper hydrogen infusion.
I’ve had situations where I placed my bottle on an uneven table, only to realize later that it wasn’t functioning efficiently. Also, ensure the base is firmly fixed to prevent accidental tipping.
2. Filling It With Water
Now, it’s time to pour water into the bottle. Most manufacturers recommend using tap, filtered, or bottled water, but not distilled water—and I completely agree! It lacks essential minerals, which can reduce the efficiency of the electrolysis process. I have written more details about it here.
I once tried using distilled water just out of curiosity, and its taste was noticeably poor and it was not good for my health. So, stick to what works best!
3. Starting The Electrolysis Process
Once you’ve filled the bottle up to the designated level, hold down the power ON button for about three seconds (varies from model to model). The display or indicator light will signal that electrolysis has started.
I always find this part fascinating—seeing those tiny hydrogen bubbles forming never gets old! Depending on the model, the screen might also show a timer or concentration level.
4. Waiting For The Optimum Hydrogen Concentration
The generation time depends on the desired hydrogen concentration—usually ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. If you want a higher concentration (measured in ppm or ppb), you’ll need to let it run for the full cycle.
A small tip: gently shaking the bottle during electrolysis ensures an even distribution of hydrogen in the water. I’ve noticed that this trick helps avoid the issue where hydrogen gets concentrated only at the bottom.
5. Knowing When It’s Ready
When the process is complete, most machines will beep or show an indication on the display. Some models even turn off automatically once the hydrogenation is done. I appreciate this feature because I don’t have to keep checking—it’s a small but convenient touch!
Now your hydrogen-infused water is ready for drinking– you can consume it directly from the bottle or swiftly pour it over in a glass, and drink it quickly.
C. For Long Term Use
It is crucial to wash your hydrogen water bottle after every use to ensure its hygiene and longevity. What happens is that when you keep generating hydrogen gas for months, the process of electrolysis results in the formation of precipitates that accumulate on the surface of the electrodes.
As a result, the electrodes, i.e., the cathode and anode contained in the electrolyzer module, might become ineffective over time.
I have adopted this habit of CLEANSING my bottle every time after generation, and I suggest you do the same for the best results. Here is a detailed guide to cleaning your hydrogen water generator.
How Many Times Can You Reuse A Hydrogen Water Generator?
It can be difficult to accurately specify the total number of times you can use your bottle because that entirely depends on the specific model– the quality of its parts, technology, and the frequency of use. To be more precise, the battery life cycle and the lifespan of the SPE/PEM membrane are the two key factors that determine the LONGEVITY of a hydrogen water machine.
You might consider buying a generator from a reputable brand that comes with a robust membrane. Based on my own experience, I can suggest something useful. I specifically look for “DuPont” membranes, which are recognized for their LONGEVITY and QUALITY, while buying a hydrogen water-generating bottle. DuPont membranes are typically designed to deliver over 200 hours of use.
However, having used more than twenty hydrogen bottles, I can confidently say that, on average, you should be able to continue them for several years. But I have also seen a few brands whose cheap machines lasted barely a few weeks. So, I highly recommend choosing from the best hydrogen water bottles, reading the manufacturer’s guidelines, and trying to follow them as closely as you can.
Also Read: How Long Do Hydrogen Water Bottles Last?
How Long Does Hydrogen Stays In Optimum Condition After Generation?
While experimenting with hydrogen-infused water, I found that the duration for which the concentration of H2 lasts largely depends on TWO factors. The first is the initial H2 concentration at which it is prepared, and the second is how the bottle is sealed and stored.
For example, my Level Up Way hydrogen bottle can produce hydrogen gas with up to 4000 ppb concentration. When I tested it, I first kept a bottle of generated water in the open air without sealing the lid. I found that the proportion dropped rapidly, and there was almost NO hydrogen left after 8-10 hours.
However, when I poured fresh hydrogen water into a different sealed container without air and stored it in the refrigerator, it lasted for 11 days. At this point, when I tested the H2 concentration with my kit, it was in the range of 3000 ppb—good, but not the best. (Note: Never put your hydrogen water bottle in the refrigerator directly, as it may get damaged)
Now, do not assume that the water will be unfit for drinking after the specified time frame; that is certainly not the case. What I mean is that the concentration of molecular hydrogen will DEPLETE below the desired level.
This is precisely why hydrogen bottle manufacturers recommend drinking the hydrogen water as soon as it is prepared, rather than waiting for a long time before consuming it.
What Kind Of Water Can You Use In A Hydrogen Bottle?
To prepare hydrogen water, you can pour plain drinking water inside the container. I have seen many brands recommend filtered or regular RO only with minerals. And then I have my favorite Echo Flask, which I can use with even regular tap water at home – it is that hassle-free!
I have also seen some brands asserting that non-carbonated mineral water works best with hydrogen bottles. This is because the dissolved minerals help in electrolytic conductivity and optimize the molecular hydrogen content.
That being said, I suggest you read the instruction manual provided in your hydrogen water generator package to see what the manufacturer specifies for your machine.
Cold Or Warm Water: What Works Best?
If you read science journals, you will find that hydrogen gas has BETTER SOLUBILITY in water at lower temperatures. So, if you want more molecular H2 dissolved, you may use cold water. At higher temperatures, it dissipates faster, thereby reducing its concentration.
So, ideally, neither cold nor warm – the best is to use room temperature water since that helps retain the maximum concentration.
While this article focuses on the usage of hydrogen water bottles in general, I am writing different articles for some of them as the process may slightly differ. Here is the list-
Key Takeaways
Using a hydrogen bottle is simple, but we need to be aware of the precautions for our own safety and its longevity.
These machines must be washed and maintained at regular intervals to ensure efficiency. When stored properly, hydrogen water can last for two weeks in good condition.
Tap or mineral water works best for hydrogen generation.
Use water at room temperature to get the maximum concentration of molecular hydrogen.
