New Evidence Suggests mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Transmission of Aerosols by Vaccinated to Unvaccinated
New evidence suggests vaccinated individuals can transmit antibodies generated through mRNA COVID-19 vaccination to unvaccinated individuals through aerosols, according to a peer-reviewed study published in ImmunoHorizons.
Extended mask requirements allowed scientists at the University of Colorado to evaluate whether vaccinated individuals could transfer aerosolized antibodies generated from COVID-19 vaccines. Aerosols are a manufactured or naturally occurring suspension of particles or droplets in the air, such as airborne dust, mists, fumes, or smoke, that can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled.
Researchers used a combination of tests to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies from masks vaccinated lab members wore and donated anonymously at the end of the day. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that circulate in the blood and neutralize foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
Consistent with results reported by others, the researchers identified both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in the saliva of vaccinated individuals and on their masks.
Based on their observations, the researchers hypothesized droplet or aerosolized antibody transfer might occur between individuals, similar to how droplets and aerosolized viral particles are transferred by the same route.
To test their hypothesis, they obtained and compared nasal swabs from unvaccinated children living in vaccinated, unvaccinated, and COVID-19-positive households.
Results showed high IgG in the noses of vaccinated parents was "significantly associated" with an increase in intranasal IgG within the unvaccinated child from the same household, especially compared to the "complete deficit of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody detected" in nasal swabs obtained from children in nonvaccinated families. A similar trend was found with IgA in the same samples.
In other words, their findings suggest aerosol transmission of antibodies can occur between COVID-19 vaccinated parents and their children—and the tendency for this transfer is directly related to the amount of nasal or oral antibodies found in those who received vaccines.
This type of shedding is called "passive immunization," where antibodies—primarily IgA—are actually exchanged between individuals through respiratory droplets, Brian Hooker, chief scientific officer at Children's Health Defense, who holds a doctorate in biochemical engineering, wrote in an email to The Epoch Times. "But this would provide minimal immunity for the 'bystanders' based on the fact that the original mRNA vaccines provide so little protection."
Mr. Hooker said passive immunization could elicit autoimmunity and "all sorts of reactions" in bystanders due to a similar "molecular mimicry between the COVID-19 Ig [immunoglobulin] antibodies and human proteins."
Studies have shown that molecular mimicry between the foreign molecules and human molecules can lead to an autoimmune response causing antibodies to function incorrectly and interact against human proteins. Autoimmunity refers to an immune reaction where the body attacks its own tissues, resulting in damage or disease.
Mr. Hooker said the study suggests that if Ig antibodies can be transmitted person-to-person, there is a possibility the spike protein generated by COVID-19 vaccines could be transmitted as well.
"This could cause immunization of the bystanders as well as problems associated with spike protein toxicity to bloodstream components and other tissues," he added.
COVID-19 Vaccines Were Authorized Without Studies to Assess Transmission
COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology like Pfizer and Moderna were authorized globally without studies into the possible expression of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing the mRNA or of the spike protein manufactured by the cells of a recently vaccinated individual.
A confidential Pfizer document (pdf) disclosed through a Freedom of Information Act request suggests an unvaccinated person could be exposed to the contents of COVID-19 vaccines through the air or skin of a vaccinated individual and references the possibility that an adverse vaccine reaction could result from such exposure.
A Pfizer Japanese biodistribution study showed COVID-19 vaccine spike protein can travel from the injection site through the blood and accumulate in organs and tissues, including the spleen, bone marrow, liver, adrenal glands, and ovaries. Vaccine mRNA is present from the day of vaccination and can persist in the bloodstream weeks after vaccination.
According to a 2022 paper in Infectious Diseases Research (pdf) by French pharmacist and biologist Helene Banoun, LNPs from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can be excreted through body fluids and pass the transplacental barrier.
Spike proteins manufactured by the body after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine circulate as exosomes, or extracellular vesicles released from cells that transport spike protein through circulation, according to Ms. Banoun. Exosomes are found in saliva, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Considering that mRNA vaccines have been widely distributed, pharmacokinetic studies are warranted to determine how they're excreted from the body and what components of COVID-19 vaccines can be transmitted by a vaccinated individual, she said.
Diogenes syndrome, also known as senile squalor syndrome, is a disorder characterized by extreme self-neglect, domestic squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, compulsive hoarding of garbage or animals, and a lack of shame. Affected people may also display symptoms of catatonia.[1][2]
The condition was first recognized in 1966[3] and designated Diogenes syndrome by Clark et al.[4] The name derives from Diogenes of Sinope, an ancient Greek philosopher, a Cynic and an ultimate minimalist, who allegedly lived in a large jar in Athens. Not only did he not hoard, but he actually sought human company by venturing daily to the Agora. Therefore, this eponym is considered to be a misnomer.[5][6][7] Other possible terms are senile breakdown, Plyushkin's Syndrome (after the Gogol character),[5]social breakdown and senile squalor syndrome.[8]Frontal lobe impairment may play a part in the causation (Orrell et al., 1989).[9]
Contents
Presentation
Diogenes syndrome is a disorder that involves hoarding of rubbish and severe self-neglect. In addition, the syndrome is characterized by domestic squalor, syllogomania, social alienation, and refusal of help. It has been shown that the syndrome is caused as a reaction to stress that was experienced by the patient. The time span in which the syndrome develops is undefined, though it is most accurately distinguished as a reaction to stress that occurs late in life.[10][11]
In most instances, patients were observed to have an abnormal possessiveness and patterns of compilation in a disordered manner. These symptoms suggest damage to the prefrontal areas of the brain, due to its relation to decision making. In contrast, there have also been cases where the hoarded objects were arranged in a methodical manner, which may suggest a cause other than brain damage.
Although most patients have been observed to come from homes with poor conditions, and many had been faced with poverty for a long period of time, these similarities are not considered a definite cause to the syndrome. Research showed that some of the participants with the condition had solid family backgrounds as well as successful professional lives. Half of the patients were of higher intelligence level.[12] This indicates the Diogenes syndrome does not exclusively affect those experiencing poverty or those who had traumatic childhood experiences.
The severe neglect that they bring on themselves usually results in physical collapse or mental breakdown. Most individuals with the syndrome do not get identified until they face this stage of collapse, due to their predilection to refuse help from others.[4]
Personality traits that can be seen frequently in patients diagnosed with Diogenes syndrome are aggressiveness, stubbornness, suspicion of others, unpredictable mood swings, emotional instability and deformed perception of reality.[11] Secondary DS is related to mental disorders.[11] The direct relation of the patients' personalities to the syndrome is unclear, though the similarities in character suggest potential avenues for investigation.[11]
Diagnosis
Individuals with Diogenes syndrome generally display signs of collectionism, hoarding, or compulsive disorder. Individuals who have had damage to the brain, particularly the frontal lobe, may be at more risk to developing the syndrome. The frontal lobes are of particular interest, because they are known to be involved in higher order cognitive processes, such as reasoning, decision-making and conflict monitoring. Diogenes syndrome tends to occur among the elderly. People with this disorder tend to have significant functional problems correlated with morbidity and mortality.[13]
It is ethically difficult when it comes to dealing with diagnosed patients, for many of them deny their poor conditions and refuse to accept treatment. The main objectives of the doctors are to help improve the patient's lifestyle and wellbeing, so health care professionals must decide whether or not to force treatment onto their patient.
In some cases, especially those including the inability to move, patients have to consent to help, since they cannot manage to look after themselves. Hospitals or nursing homes are often considered the best treatment under those conditions.
When under care, patients must be treated in a way in which they can learn to trust the health care professionals. In order to do this, the patients should be restricted in the number of visitors they are allowed, and be limited to one nurse or social worker. Some patients respond better to psychotherapy, while others to behavioral treatment or terminal care.[11]
Results after hospitalization tend to be poor. Research on the mortality rate during hospitalization has shown that approximately half the patients die while in the hospital. A quarter of the patients are sent back home, while the other quarter are placed in long-term residential care. Patients under care in hospitals and nursing homes often slide back into relapse or face death.
There are other approaches to improve the patient's condition. Day care facilities have often been successful with maturing the patient's physical and emotional state, as well as helping them with socialization. Other methods include services inside the patient's home, such as the delivery of food.[11]
History
The origin of the syndrome is unknown, although the term "Diogenes" was coined by A. N. G. Clarke et al. in the mid‑1970s and has been commonly used since then. Diogenes syndrome was acknowledged more prominently as a media phenomenon in popular media rather than medical literature. The primary description of this syndrome has only been mentioned recently by geriatricians and psychiatrists.[3][4]
Cybulska, E; Rucinski, J (1986). "Gross Self-neglect in Old Age". Br J Hosp Med. 36 (1): 21–23. PMID3535960.none
Rosenthal, M; Stelian, J; Wagner, J; Berkman, P (1999). "Diogenes syndrome and hoarding in the elderly: case reports". The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences. 36 (1): 29–34. PMID10389361.none
Marcos, M; Gomez-Pellin, MC. (2008). "A tale of a misnamed eponym: Diogenes syndrome". Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 23 (9): 990–1. doi:10.1002/gps.2005. PMID18752218. S2CID45209151.none
Radebaugh, TS; Hooper, FJ; Gruenberg, EM. (1987). "The social breakdown syndrome in the elderly population living in the community: the helping study". Br J Psychiatry. 151 (3): 341–6. doi:10.1192/bjp.151.3.341. PMID3501323. S2CID4430376.none
Shah, AK (1990). "Senile squalour syndrome: what to expect and how to treat it". Geriatr Med. 20: 10–26.none
Snowdon, J. (1987). "Uncleanliness among persons seen by community health workers". Hosp Community Psychiatry. 38 (5): 491–4. doi:10.1176/ps.38.5.491. PMID3596484.none
Cole, AJ; Gillett, TP.; Fairbairn, Andrew (1992). "A case of senile self-neglect in a married couple: 'Diogenes a deux'". Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 7 (11): 839–41. doi:10.1002/gps.930071111. S2CID145349028.none
Post F. "Functional disorders: 1. Description, incidence and recognition". In: Levy R, Post F, eds. The psychiatry of late life. Oxford: Blackwell, 1982;180-1.
Wolfson, P; Cohen, M; Lindesay, J; Murphy, E (1990). "Section 47 and its use with mentally disordered people". Journal of Public Health Medicine. 12 (1): 9–14. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.pubmed.a042517. PMID2390316.none
Plastic is a key material for IKEA, and remains so going forward. It is strong, durable, lightweight and versatile. It is a main component in a large amount of our products and has a wide variety of applications from surface materials such as paint and foil, to screws and shelf pegs. There is a lot of valid concern regarding how plastic impacts the environment and at IKEA we take this very seriously. As part of our larger circular journey and transition from virgin fossil based material, we are working hard to change all plastic in our home furnishing products to plastic made from recycled and/or renewable raw materials.
Only recycled or renewable plastics
Plastic is most commonly derived from oil and gas, which are non-renewable fossil sources. These sources do not renew themselves and will eventually be depleted. Our ambition is that by 2030, all plastic used in our products will be based on renewable or recycled materials. Renewable plastic is made from materials such as vegetable oil, corn, wheat grain and sugar cane. Recycled plastic allows us to give a second life to non-biodegradable products such as PET bottles that would otherwise end up in landfill. Using recyclable sources also lessens our dependency on oil as a raw material. Currently more than 40% of our plastic products are based on recycled and renewable materials and our aim is to reach 100%. As we add products made from recycled and renewable materials to our offer, we hope to inspire other companies to do the same.
Phasing out single-use plastics
Single-use plastic items pollute ecosystems if not disposed of responsibly. As part of our commitment to people and the planet, all single-use plastic products from the global home furnishing range were phased out in 2020. This includes items such as plates, cups, and plastic straws offered in our restaurants, bistros, and cafes. These were replaced by disposables made from 100% renewable sources.
PET and PP our most commonly used plastics
Polythylene terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP) are durable, hygienic and shatter-resistant plastics. They absorb very little water and have good chemical resistance. Both PET and PP can be reused and recycled, which reduces waste and gives the product several lives through use and reuse. PET is the most recycled plastic in the world and can be used for many different purposes such as plastic bottles and containers for packaging food and beverages as well as for personal care products, pharmaceuticals and many other consumer products. At IKEA we mainly use recycled PET in boxes, filling material for textiles and kitchen front foil. PET is approved by health-agencies as safe to use for food and beverage. IKEA uses recycled PET that is post-consumer based, which means it is based on collected and sorted PET bottles.
Clean and safe
IKEA takes product safety very seriously and all products are tested and comply with the strictest possible laws and safety standards on all IKEA markets. Customers should always feel confident that products bought at IKEA are safe and healthy to use. IKEA wants to minimize or totally refrain from the use of chemicals and substances that can be harmful to people and the environment.
Together, we can do more
Our journey towards only using recycled or renewable plastic will take some time and require new ways of doing things, but we are determined to take responsibility and find new solutions. We want to give our customers the possibility to choose products made from more sustainable materials that can be recycled again one day. Together, we can make a big difference!
George Charles Gause (Goss) Sr DEATH 21 MAR 1732 • East Nottingham, Chester Co., PA 7th great-grandfather
why?…
"Charles Goss and his wife Jane died in 1732 from smallpox. They were buried in the same grave.
"Their son, Evan (b. 1.23.1725) changed his name from Goss to Gause, as in the French spelling of the name. His home was East Harlan, Bobbington, Buffington, Duck, and Bezer. Her father {referring to Hannah White Walker, wife to Evan}, William White of Kennett Township, Pa. and her mother Elizabeth Harlan were married at Christ Church, Philadelphia, Pa., (6.8.1728).
"A child of Evan Gause and Hannah White Walker was William Gause (b. 3.10.1775). William was married in 1781 to Mary Beverly. They lived in the vicinity of Kennett Square, Pa.
The Boston Epidemic
For over a year, from the spring of 1721 until winter 1722, a smallpox epidemic afflicted the city of Boston. Out of a population of 11,000, over 6000 cases were reported with 850 dying from the disease. Of a series of seven epidemics in the region during the 1700s, this was the most deadly [2]. Though tragic, the 1721 epidemic led to a major milestone in the history of vaccination and smallpox eradication. The use of inoculation during this epidemic, and the heated debate that arose surrounding the practice, was one of the first major applications of inoculations in western society, paving the way for Edward Jenner to develop smallpox vaccination by the end of the century.
The Outbreak in Boston
On April 22, 1721, a British ship arrived in Boston Harbor. On board, one of the sailors had begun to exhibit symptoms of smallpox. He was quickly quarantined, but several more members of the crew soon fell ill with the disease. An outbreak of the disease spread quickly through the city . As the epidemic worsened, Cotton Mather reached out to the medical community of Boston, imploring them to use the inoculation method. One physician, Zabdiel Boylston, heeded his call, but most other doctors were hostile to the idea. At the forefront of the anti-inoculation contingency was one of Boston's only physicians who actually held a medical degree, Dr. William Douglass. The arguments against inoculation were varied, ranging from disagreement on religious grounds to scientific uncertainty. While many argued that inoculation violated divine law, by either inflicting harm on innocent people or by attempting to counter God's specific will, the main argument that Douglass made was that inoculation was untested and seemingly based on folklore. Douglas feared that unchecked use of inoculation would only quicken the spread of disease throughout the city.
By modern standards, this argument seems highly sensible. The use of a poorly researched medical technique, particularly one as potentially hazardous as intentionally exposing healthy people – including children – to smallpox, would be highly unethical today. To many professional Boston physicians, inoculation must have appeared as unscientific as other contemporary treatments such as bleeding and purging, which were still common practice during the early 18th century.
The 7 Best Watering Cans for All Types of Gardeners in 2023, According to Testing
We found the best watering cans for every gardener's needs.
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
Best Overall
Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can
Walmart
Our Ratings
Design
5/5
Effectiveness
4/5
Ease of Use
5/5
Size
5/5
Durabilty
5/5
Why You Should Get It: This watering can holds a large volume of water but is still easy to carry and use.
Keep in Mind: It can get heavy when lifting overhead for hanging plants.
If you want to buy one, all-purpose watering can for all types of plants, you can't go wrong with the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can. Whether you are tending to indoor potted plants, hanging vines, or an outdoor vegetable garden, the 2.6-gallon capacity gives you enough volume so that you won't have to make constant trips back to the sink. It also boasts an ergonomic design, with two different handles to make carrying and pouring even easier.
We loved the two-handle design, with one hinged handle that made carrying and pouring a breeze, and noted that the can was surprisingly easy to fill under a sink for its size. The clever design places the fill hole slightly off center so the handles don't get in the way of a spigot or faucet. Another helpful feature is the adjustable spout that can go from light shower to heavy stream, depending on what you are watering.
The Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can also proved to be extremely durable and stayed upright even when we dropped it on both grass and concrete. This is due to its thick wall structure, made of fade-resistant polypropylene plastic, which is sturdy enough to last through multiple seasons of use.
If you're primarily watering hanging plants, you may want to purchase a smaller watering can than this one. Its larger capacity means that you really have to tip the can to get a full pour, which isn't as much of an issue when watering standing pots or a garden.
Why You Should Get It: This watering can covers all the basics with a price tag that can't be beat.
Keep in Mind: You can't adjust the nozzle flow for variable pressure.
If you're looking for an inexpensive watering can that gets the job done without a lot of bells and whistles, the Room Essentials Novelty Watering Can is a great place to start. The 1-gallon capacity is small enough to lift overhead and makes storage a breeze, but it's still large enough that you won't be refilling it constantly. It features a well-placed, large top handle and an easy-to-fill mouth at the top, making it accessible whether you are using a faucet, outdoor hose, or spigot.
The spout is effective but basic, lacking a spray (or "rose") attachment. Despite the lack of frills, the spout was easy to control and aim exactly where you want the flow of water to go. The basic weatherproof plastic design is durable and doesn't leak when full, so it won't drip all over you when you carry it from one place to the next.
We weren't able to test the long-term durability of the Room Essentials watering can, but based on how well it performed during our lab tests, we have no reason to suspect that it wouldn't hold up over time.
Keep in mind that this product doesn't have a rose attachment for sprinkler-style watering, so it wouldn't be a fit if you are tending to plants that need a gentle shower, such as seedlings, transplants, or delicate flowers.
Why You Should Get It: The fully removable sprinkler head makes this a good choice for watering a variety of plant types.
Keep in Mind: This watering can has a very basic look that you probably wouldn't want to put on display, so consider where you might store it when not in use.
While the XXXFlower Watering Can might not have the stylistic attributes of some of our other picks, its basic design and sturdy construction make it a great pick for watering a vegetable garden or a large number of outdoor plants. The 1.5-gallon capacity is plenty to keep your plants hydrated, and the placement of the dual handles (one for carrying and one for tilting and pouring) make it easy to handle even when full. Despite its size, it was easy to lift up and reach hanging plants.
We also loved the removable sprinkler head, which makes it easy to switch between full water flow and a soft rainshower. This versatility is incredibly helpful when taking care of a garden, allowing you to water hearty plants deeply and also take gentle care of delicate herbs and flowers.
In addition to the removable spout head, the XXXFlower Watering Can also comes with a handy cover for the top opening, which can help keep debris out of the basin when not in use. We also found that the durable plastic construction makes this watering can a good pick if you plan to store it outside since it's less likely to get damaged by weather and moisture. In our testing process, this watering can dented when we dropped it completely full of water on a concrete surface, but it didn't crack and was still usable.
If you want your watering can to serve both a functional purpose and have an attractive exterior, this one may not be the best choice for you—we found it to be quite plain. However, in terms of durability, ease of use, and versatility,this is the best watering can for outdoor garden enthusiasts.
Why You Should Get It: This durable, lightweight watering can impressed us with its overall ease of use.
Keep in Mind: The placement of the handle and the small mouth might make this hard to fill from a fixed faucet.
The light weight of this plastic Fasmov Watering Can means that you can easily tote it around the house (or yard) without adding much heft beyond the water itself. Plastic watering cans are a great choice for gardeners who want a long-lasting, easy-to-care-for watering can—and this one passed our testing process with flying colors.
We found the Fasmov model to be extremely easy to carry around. The 1-gallon size makes it lightweight enough to transport while still holding a decent amount of water, and the ergonomic handle design adds to the general ease of use. The mouth on top is slightly smaller than normal, which means that it might be hard to fill depending on your faucet or spigot. However, the plus side to a smaller fill hole is that you are much less likely to drip water or have it slosh over the top when carrying the watering can around.
The Fasmov watering can is made from sturdy plastic that held up well in our durability tests, and the pretty, deep blue color keeps the otherwise basic watering can from being an eyesore. The spout is open, but the long, narrow neck allows for a controlled flow and precise watering.
Why You Should Get It: With an attractive polished steel exterior, this watering can would look great in a modern home or office.
Keep in Mind: The capacity on this watering can is quite small, so it wouldn't work well for large plants or an entire garden.
If you're looking for an attractive watering can to display on a shelf or ledge in your home, the E.Palace Stainless Steel Watering Can is made for you. The small, 15-ounce can is made from sturdy stainless steel with an overall minimalist design, and the size makes it easy to fit into your other home decor.
Beyond just fashion, the E.Palace pick performs well in its function–watering plants. The hand-polished steel is designed to resist scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing, so it'll hold up for years to come. The spout is quite narrow, which means that the flow is somewhat slow and requires a patient pour unless you want to slosh water out of the top. This watering can wouldn't work as well for plants that need a more distributed flow of water, such as delicate flowers and new seedlings.
The small capacity means that it's also easy to lift overhead to water hanging plants or bookshelf vines, and the hole at the top is large enough that it can be filled from virtually any sink. Plus, we found it quite easy to carry and pour without spillage.
The only potential downside to the E.Palace watering can is its small size. While it is an aesthetically pleasing item, the capacity of 15 ounces limits its overall utility. It would be a good choice for a home office or other small area with a houseplant or two, but it would be hard to use this watering can to water a large number of plants.
Why You Should Get It: This watering can has a consistent pour to help avoid unexpected splashes.
Keep in Mind: The price point for this watering can is higher than most on our list.
If we had to pick the best watering cans on the market based purely on looks, the Williams Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can would top our list. The lustrous, solid copper body has subtle hammered detailing in the center band and is framed by a long, slender handle and spout. We also love that this product is handcrafted in Turkey by artisans using traditional techniques.
While the rounded handle doesn't have any special ergonomic features, we found it easy to hold and carry without your arms getting tired. We also noticed the pour was consistent, no matter how full or empty the container. The narrow, open spout offers a well-paced, steady flow of water that is easy to aim low or high.
As with any shiny copper product, you should expect that over time the metal will oxidize slightly and develop a rich bronze patina on its surface (think about the color of an older penny). You can take extra care of the watering can to prevent this from happening, or embrace the natural color variations of this gorgeous metal.
There's no doubt that this is a splurge item. If you look at this as an investment in home decor, it's probably worth it, but if you're choosing based on function, you can likely find a watering can that's a better value. This watering can could also make a unique wedding or housewarming gift.
Why You Should Get It: The small size and sleek appearance of this watering can make it a great indoor option.
Keep in Mind: The painted steel might not withstand heavy use over time.
Terrain's Beech Wood Handle Watering Can is another attractive pick, combining the function of all the best watering cans with the style of a modern farmhouse decor piece. The body of this device comes in dark gray or white with a contrasting beech wood handle, while the long, narrow spout allows for precision watering and good reach, ideal for houseplants.
The manufacturer doesn't list the capacity, but we found that this watering can could hold 18 ounces without spilling when carried. The tiny size makes it a breeze to fill under pretty much any sink, including a smaller bathroom sink. This is another great choice for a home office or environment with just a few houseplants to take care of due to its smaller size, and it would also be fun and easy for children to use.
In terms of durability, the Beech Wood Handle Watering Can held up well functionally from being dropped, landing upright and denting only slightly, but the paint did chip and show the steel underneath. If you are in an environment where you expect to have a lot of wear and tear (hello, small children and pets), the painted exterior might show damage over time. In general, this is a good value for a smaller, good-looking indoor watering can.
Price at time of publish: $26
Product Details: Weight: Unknown | Capacity: 18 ounces | Material: Painted steel and beechwood | Spout type: Open flow
Better Homes & Gardens / Rachel Marek
The Bottom Line
Whether you are a newbie gardener or a seasoned expert, having a good all-around watering can is integral to your green thumb success. Our top pick for the best overall watering can is the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can for its versatility across indoor and outdoor environments as well as its adjustable spout. We also were impressed that it stayed upright and dent-free when dropped on concrete, a rarity for a watering can with a larger capacity.
Our Testing Process
We assembled a team of real-world gardeners, houseplant devotees, and green thumbs to test each of the best watering cans on our list. We were looking for a sleek yet ergonomic design, effective watering capabilities, easy use, and more. We filled each watering can to capacity in both a standard size sink and outside with a spigot or hose, then carried it a short distance. We then poured the water into a variety of different types and sizes of pots to ensure the can was easy to lift and tilt.
After emptying the watering can, we assessed the durability of the item with a drop test onto a variety of different surfaces, both when full and emptied. Reviewers only looked at the price of the watering can after completing the other aspects of the review to ensure lack of bias about quality and assess the product's value fairly.
What to Know About Watering Cans Before Shopping
Material
The best watering cans can be made from a variety of materials, such as steel, copper, plastic, or even ceramic. You should think about the type of environment you'll be in when using the watering can, and what type of wear-and-tear it might be exposed to.
If you are primarily using the watering can outdoors, a breakable material like ceramic might not be the best fit. If the person using the watering can is young, older, or may not be capable of lifting heavy items, a lightweight material (like plastic) might be a good choice. However, Whitehead cautions that some plastic watering cans are a bit flimsy.
"You need to make sure they are made from high-quality plastic so they do not crack on you," Whitehead says.
Capacity
Depending on how many plants you are going to be watering, you may need a smaller or larger watering can.
"If you are watering plants outdoors, it may be easier to buy a larger watering can so you make fewer trips to the spigot," Whitehead says. She also recommends finding something you can comfortably hold while carrying across your yard. For indoor watering, Whitehead recommends a smaller container that can easily be filled at the sink.
Ease of Use
Of course, whatever watering can you choose should be easy to fill, carry, and pour. The handle should be comfortable to grip and carry for several minutes at a time since a watering can can get heavy when filled with water. You will also want to note where the top mouth is located in relation to the handle, ensuring that a variety of faucets and outdoor spigots will be able to fit inside.
Spout Type
The spout of a watering can may be long, short, thick, or thin, and it'll either have an open end or a sprinkler-style "rose" at the tip. The type of spout you choose depends on where you are planning to use the watering can.
"Typically, you'll want a larger shower head spout for outside plants, since you'll most likely be watering more on each of the plants," Whitehead says. "For indoor plants, you'll want a more defined, narrow spout head that will allow you to accurately water your plants."
Other Watering Cans We Tested
Bloomscape Large Watering Can
We thought the Bloomscape Large Watering Can was aesthetically-pleasing but ergonomically challenging and hard to handle when filled. We had to use two hands when carrying and pouring this product to avoid water sloshing out, which is why we didn't include it on our list of the best watering cans.
French Blue Watering Can
During our tests, the French Blue Watering Can completely broke when dropped while full of water, making us question its durability over time. We also found that it was very clunky and heavy, making it nearly impossible to use when watering hanging plants. We found this product to have a particularly slow flow that affected its effectiveness, so we chose to exclude it from our lists.
The HC Companies 2-Gallon Garden Large Mouth Watering Can
While we loved the wide opening on this product for filling, we found that the HC Companies 2-Gallon Large Mouth Watering Can cracked when dropped during our tests. For the price and material, we expected this watering can to hold up better than it did, so we didn't include it on our list.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you clean watering cans?
Always read the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning, as different materials have different requirements. Most containers can be rinsed with a gentle soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Be mindful to not use harsh chemicals since these can harm your plants if they make it into the soil. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap remains inside it before using the watering can on your plants.
What is the best time of day to water plants?
During the heat of the summer, it's important to water all your plants, but according to Whitehead, you'll want to water your outdoor plants in the morning or early evening. "This gives time for the plants to absorb the water before the sun evaporates the water," Whitehead says. She also warns that watering at night could invite rot, fungus and disease to thrive.
How do you store a watering can?
Most plastic watering cans can be stored outside, but it's best to put them under a covering to avoid rainwater and other debris from collecting inside it. Metal containers will have more longevity when stored indoors in a garage, shed, or on a shelf in your home since they are prone to corrosion. Watering cans should be cleaned and thoroughly dried before being stored to avoid any mold from developing.
Who We Are
Laura Fisher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens and has been writing about a variety of home projects and cooking for over four years. She collected feedback from our lab tests in Des Moines, Iowa, for this article and researched important features to consider when shopping for the best watering cans. She also got expert advice from Kristen Whitehead, designer and owner of Helios Landscape Design, for this story.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
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