Cleaning Camelbak bottle with bite-valve? I've ordered some of the Camelbak water bottles with the bite-valve since they've gotten such good reviews, but I'm wondering... what's the best way to keep them clean? I usually put my water bottles thru the dishwasher to make sure they get sterilized, but I'm guessing that wouldn't work with the bite valve. Anyone have any methods that work? I hate the idea of germs building up in that thing... Cleaning Camelbak bottle with bite-valve? I've ordered some of the Camelbak water bottles with the bite-valve since they've gotten such good reviews, but I'm wondering... what's the... » Read More Cleaning Camelbak bottle with bite-valve? I've ordered some of the Camelbak water bottles with the bite-valve since they've gotten such good reviews, but I'm wondering... what's the best way to keep them clean? I usually put my water bottles thru the dishwasher to make sure they get sterilized, but I'm guessing that wouldn't work with the bite valve. Anyone have any methods that work? I hate the idea of germs building up in that thing... « Show Less
342687
I put mine in the dishwasher and it gets it completely clean. since the hot temperatures of the dishwasher are hot, I know that my Camelbak is getting clean and sanitized. :) hope this helps
342688
I also used a pipe cleaner (the kind with a few metal strands also works best), to stick in the folding plastic part (not the bite valve). As this gets gunked up also. If you take the long plastic straw off, you can actually get the pipe cleaner all the way through, and you can pull it back and forth. I love this bottle also, but it is something you need to keep up with the cleaning on.
342689
I just wash with detergent and water and let it air dry completely before putting it back on. If I've forgotten to wash it right away and it looks a little grungy I'll roll a corner of a paper towel so it fits in the valve and twist it around a few times. This usually gets everything out. A bottle/nipple brush would probably work better but this works for me. When in doubt I let it soak in bleach water first.
342690
it's made of silicone just like a baby's bottle nipple. so i guess boiling it for a few minutes wouldn't hurt. i clean mine like i clean the baby's nipple. was with soap and water and boil for about 5 mins.
342691
I'm having a problem with staining on the hard plastic under the bit valve. There is a dark brown ring stain that won't come clean with bleach. Although I know it is clean, I don't like the looks of the dark brown ring, which is visible through the bite value. Has anyone found a way to remove this stain?
342692
All I do with my bite valve is remove it, scrub it with a toothbrush and make sure there's nothing in the actual rubber (or whatever material it is) valve itself. If you're super paranoid, I suppose you could use some diluted bleach on any part of it as long as you wash it thoroughly.Edit: Also, for cleaning inside the bite valve once it's off, I've never had to do more than soapy water and a quick finger swipe with my pinky finger. Might be harder for people with big fingers, just shove something in there that won't poke holes in it with some soap and scrape around, you'll be good to go. All I do with my bite valve is remove it, scrub it with a toothbrush and make sure there's nothing in the actual rubber (or whatever material it is) valve itself. If you're super paranoid, I suppose you could use some diluted bleach on any part of it as long as you wash it thoroughly.Edit: Also, for cleaning inside the bite valve once it's off, I've never had to do more than soapy water and a quick finger swipe with my pinky finger. Might be harder for people with big fingers, just shove something in there that won't poke holes in it with some soap and scrape around, you'll be... » Read More All I do with my bite valve is remove it, scrub it with a toothbrush and make sure there's nothing in the actual rubber (or whatever material it is) valve itself. If you're super paranoid, I suppose you could use some diluted bleach on any part of it as long as you wash it thoroughly.Edit: Also, for cleaning inside the bite valve once it's off, I've never had to do more than soapy water and a quick finger swipe with my pinky finger. Might be harder for people with big fingers, just shove something in there that won't poke holes in it with some soap and scrape around, you'll be good to go. « Show Less
342693
I use Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Cleaning Brush, 4 Pack . They work great to get to the insides of the valve, straw and the plastic folding part. I take off the valve and straw and wash everything with dish detergent. I also take everything apart and soak in very warm water and bleach about once a week to take care of any mold.
342694
I stick it in the dishwasher in the basket that I put my baby bottle parts. Works perfectly.
342695
Easy to look on Camelback's website for this info. Which says to NOT use high heat or boiling. Nor should one stick brushes through the sip hole. Soap and water
342696
Use a baby bottle cleaner. It has a small tip for the bite valve and a brush head for the bottle. Works great!
1268890
It was a gift for a friend's son and I told them to do what I do with my thermos. Go to the store and purchase some inexpensive denture cleaning tablets. Throw a couple in the bottle over night filled with water, then wash with warm water and soap the next day. You could also use a drop of bleach in water. I keep a baby bottle/glass brush on hand if I have something like juice which is sticky and I want to be a bit more thorough. If you feel there is an after taste issue, you can also soak over night once a week with a teaspoon of baking soda in it. Several options for you, I hope that help. It was a gift for a friend's son and I told them to do what I do with my thermos. Go to the store and purchase some inexpensive denture cleaning tablets. Throw a couple in the bottle over night filled with water, then wash with warm water and soap the next day. You could also use a drop of bleach in water. I keep a baby bottle/glass brush on hand if I have something like juice which is sticky and I want to be a bit more thorough. If you feel there is an after taste issue, you can also soak over night once a week with a teaspoon of baking soda in it. Several options for you, I hope that help.
2106528
Yes, I found it needed cleaning thoroughly once a week. Instructions tell you how to pop it apart. I used a tooth brush type cleaner. In between I popped it apart and rinsed well each night. Really liked it as it did not leak. But then lost it and the replacement had a top that sometimes snapped into place and other times not. Finally stopped using it. When it worked it was great. Good luck.
2052431
Silicone bite valve and BPA-free plastic straw. These are the standard Camelbak Eddy redesigned bite valves (mouthpiece) and straws (draw tube).
2228875
I haven't had to clean mine yet (using it for olive oil), but the top comes off and you could clean it with a bottle brush the same as any other necked bottle.
1504387
I run really hot water in mine, then rinse it with dish detergent, then rinse really well again and finally I used mouth wash lol . Sounds silly but it works for me
554870
I clean mine semi-regularly FIRST by washing out with Dawn dishwashing soap & hot water, rinsing, THEN filling it with very hot water plus two denture cleaning tablets. I leave it fizzing for a couple of hours (or overnight), then rinse it well. This works well with all my thermal mugs, water bottles (glass, metal, ceramic, etc). I also soak the lids in the solution.
1199400
I feel that it is fairly easy - I use my bottle for water only. What I normally do is put a little dish soap in it and rinse it with hot faucet water. I currently do not have the brush you can purchase to clean it. That might be a better solution to what I am doing currently, but I have had my bottle for about 4 months now and there is no mildew growing and I can get the bottle clean with my method.
444801
Per the instruction manual that came with it, "it is not recommended to wash in the dishwasher as this may damage the bottle and head." I just fill it with warm water and dishwashing soap, open the valve a bit, to clean the valve, then rinse with warm water.
915941
The cleaning solution is good, but you can just use distilled water and a little white vinegar once the bottle is empty. The lid will screw off the bottle after it does a few clicks. This is a MUCH cheaper way to do it, since the price for new bottles is very high. Make sure once you're done mopping, that you remove the cleaning pad, since it holds moisture and can rust out the steam mechanism. Just follow the directions.
23195
You can remove the bite valve, and its tough to get inside of it to clean. I use a q-tip. You cannot just use the straw.
1838674
I have had these bottles for around 5 years now. When the caps gets messed up (the filter valve used to get blocked with the first design) you just email the company and tell them it's not letting water flow. I had to do that twice and both times they replaced it free of charge. Camelbak rocks! Oh also if it's blocked check first that your straw is pushed in all the way. If it's loose it can touch the bottom of the bottle and keep you from getting water.
1466461
A lot of people have a hard time figuring this out, but it is actually really well designed. The part that goes in your mouth actually pops off very easily, then you can just wipe out the mold with a paper towel or clean cloth and some soapy water. Another method is to fill the bottle with soap and water, and squirt the water out through the valve, which will dislodge most mold.Check this out:http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Support/~/link.aspx?_id=21D5139719BB4F7C9DACC2029BFFF8A7&_z=z
239405
Yes the valve is easy to clean. It is a single layer of plastic with an x valve that allows water through when you suck. Also the valves are easy to replace. I believe they sell a four pack if your valve tears or wears in any way. A friend of mine still uses hers with her 6 year old daughter and has had to replace them once. You can see what the valve looks like here. Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp Replacement Valve (Pack of 2), Clear
1369707
I don´t know Camelbak system.I don´t think this has a BPA free tub. I had to change mouth piece because it was to hard tu sip water.It is very useful cause you can use with almost any kind of bottle.
1785296
It makes a great gravity filter--I purchased some surgical tubing (no memory coils) that attach to each end of the filter. The "uphill" tube inserts into the water source (bucket or bear canister), when with some sucking, the water will siphon up and over the side, and down through the filter, into the downhill tube and your water bottle. I do not use the sawyer bottle, except for storage. Once the first container is filled, others are quickly put in it's place until the source is out of water, and the cycle repeates. I love the backflow syringe for instant cleaning--BEST feature of the whole device! It makes a great gravity filter--I purchased some surgical tubing (no memory coils) that attach to each end of the filter. The "uphill" tube inserts into the water source (bucket or bear canister), when with some sucking, the water will siphon up and over the side, and down through the filter, into the downhill tube and your water bottle. I do not use the sawyer bottle, except for storage. Once the first container is filled, others are quickly put in it's place until the source is out of water, and the cycle repeates. I love the backflow syringe for instant cleaning--BEST feature... » Read More It makes a great gravity filter--I purchased some surgical tubing (no memory coils) that attach to each end of the filter. The "uphill" tube inserts into the water source (bucket or bear canister), when with some sucking, the water will siphon up and over the side, and down through the filter, into the downhill tube and your water bottle. I do not use the sawyer bottle, except for storage. Once the first container is filled, others are quickly put in it's place until the source is out of water, and the cycle repeates. I love the backflow syringe for instant cleaning--BEST feature of the whole device! « Show Less
1095950
It is perfectly easy to clean. Any standard bottle brush or dishwasher will clean it just fine. Also a tip I just learned today...I had a 2nd bottle in the fridge and the insulation is so amazing that it did not even get cold so you must actually put cold liquid inside the bottle and then it will stay super cold. I had my other bottle sitting in my car today for an hour and a half in 107 degree heat and when I got back from shopping and took a drink it was ice cold like I had just poured it. I was amazed!