Dohicky for cleaning water bottles

[Diablo de Acero]

I'm sure that there must be one out there, but does anyone make a thing that allows you to remove the rubber mouthpiece from a water bottle for actual cleaning? Specialized bottles in particular. I have tried a lot of different methods to pry them out gently. They get gross even when are just using them water. Sporty stuff just makes totally yuck. Thank you.

[sk_tle]

I would say if you are not racing you have time to lose so you'd be better off with a non cycling specific stainless bottle that fit your cage and use a regular screw on cap. Easier to clean, less smell.

[j44ke]

I'm sure that there must be one out there, but does anyone make a thing that allows you to remove the rubber mouthpiece from a water bottle for actual cleaning? Specialized bottles in particular. I have tried a lot of different methods to pry them out gently. They get gross even when are just using them water. Sporty stuff just makes totally yuck. Thank you.

I just fill the bottle up with soap, put the top on and squeeze until all the soap is out. Then scrub everything I can get to and rinse thoroughly.

Rapha bottles are no easier, so I do those the same way. No illnesses yet that I know of.

[j44ke]

Also one of these in the appropriate size.

[Bobonli]

Fill with warm soapy water. Shake. Use bottle brush. Squeeze out water. Repeat. I have bottles that are >10 years old. No illness doing this.

[gggross]

You’re over thinking this. Wash, use and forget about it.

[Chik]

I just fill the bottle up with soap, put the top on and squeeze until all the soap is out. Then scrub everything I can get to and rinse thoroughly.

Rapha bottles are no easier, so I do those the same way. No illnesses yet that I know of.

If you have the Rapha bottles made by Camelbak, the nipple can be dismantled for a thorough cleaning. (Are the new ones by Specialized?)

Anyway, your method ought to work for most bottles, most of the time. That's what I do most of the time.

[Too Tall]

Podium bottles come apart with not too much cussing. That said I put mine in the dishwasher without disassembly. Alternately, when camping I use garden variety denture cleaner....fill the bottle to the top with plain water add a tab of cleaner and install the top with the mouthpiece in the open position. Once the cleaning tablet begins to act the mouthpiece will get a nice dose of cleaner.

Glad you bring this up. During our transcontinentals we developed a routine using a well scrubbed hotel trash can + denture cleaner and all our bottles/tops and camelback mount pieces.

It's a thing.

[Diablo de Acero]

Thank you everyone for responses. I will look into the Podium bottles. The problem I am getting is with the rubber tip. I think the water here helps with easy scale build up. The bottle itself is not a problem to clean. It will build a layer of scale that needs to be scrubbed off around the outer screw on area. Inside the rubber tip is where it really builds up quickly. I use a Qtip with alcohol to go inside and swab it out. It works, but it be nice to have something rebuildable. I can see the simplicity of the stainless bottle setup also.

[Chik]

Thank you everyone for responses. I will look into the Podium bottles. The problem I am getting is with the rubber tip. I think the water here helps with easy scale build up. The bottle itself is not a problem to clean. It will build a layer of scale that needs to be scrubbed off around the outer screw on area. Inside the rubber tip is where it really builds up quickly. I use a Qtip with alcohol to go inside and swab it out. It works, but it be nice to have something rebuildable. I can see the simplicity of the stainless bottle setup also.

You might want to consider getting this set for your cleaning requirements.

I use them with my Camelbak bottles. The thin one makes cleaning the valve an easier task.

By the way, I think the Camelbak bottles actually do not alter the taste of water. I think water from the Specialized ones are gross despite their claim to the contrary. The only other bottle brand that I found to be good from this standpoint is Abloc. However, you may not be so keen on them since the valve is slightly trickier to clean with a brush. That said, you could always use Toot's method.

[rec head]

It will build a layer of scale that needs to be scrubbed off around the outer screw on area.

Have you tried white vinegar to descale it?

[gt6267a]

Podium bottles come apart with not too much cussing. That said I put mine in the dishwasher without disassembly. Alternately, when camping I use garden variety denture cleaner....fill the bottle to the top with plain water add a tab of cleaner and install the top with the mouthpiece in the open position. Once the cleaning tablet begins to act the mouthpiece will get a nice dose of cleaner.

Glad you bring this up. During our transcontinentals we developed a routine using a well scrubbed hotel trash can + denture cleaner and all our bottles/tops and camelback mount pieces.

It's a thing.

if you have problems cleaning a thermos, yeti, or coffee carafe, tt has it nailed with the denture tabs. we buy in bulk at the dollar store.

[thollandpe]

Three of four really good de-funking solutions have been mentioned.
1. Hot water and bleach (dishwasher)
2. Denture cleaning tablets
3. White vinegar

And this one works great as a soak, too:
4. Hydrogen peroxide

Rinse well. Yeah, the top of a Special__ed Purist bottle came off during a ride recently. I was alarmed at how slimy it was, despite regular trips through the dishwasher.

[Tom]

Slime is just extra protein. Calibrate your diet and you'll be fine. Not to mention exercising your immune system so its good and robust might be a good thing.

I just stick everything in the dishwasher and don't worry about it.