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?

[sk_tle]

I use fabric cageless bottles for my road bikes and switched to some stainless elite with a cap for gravel & offroad and I just put them in the dishwasher. I haven't noticed them ending up gross.

I am surprsed not seeing more people mentionning the dishwasher.

[Diablo de Acero]

Cool! Thanks for the tips! I will put these ideas to work.

[NYCfixie]

I use fabric cageless bottles for my road bikes and switched to some stainless elite with a cap for gravel & offroad and I just put them in the dishwasher. I haven't noticed them ending up gross.

I am surprsed not seeing more people mentionning the dishwasher.

I use CamelBack Thermo and put them in the dishwasher.

Your earlier point about plastic use, the weight of steel ones, and recycling is important so I might go that way in the future but it is hrad to beat the Camleback Thermo for keeping liquids cool for (almost) the entire ride. Is this the steel one you suggested.

[sk_tle]

Mine is a bit different but Incan't see it in their website. I guess it has been replaced by the model you linked.

[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.

[Saab2000]

Soap (Dawn), hot water and a soft bristle bottle brush after nearly every use and a full air dry keep my bottles non-funky.

And a full air dry can be a day or more to get those nooks and crannies. Shake them dry first. Moisture and funk are related. Keep them clean and dry. It’s not hard but means not ignoring them. We don’t ignore our other crucial cycling items do we? Shorts? Base layers? Gloves? Helmets? Socks?

We should also attend to our bottles.

[Scott G.]

If your are using Specs Purist bottles, they tell you no brushing.

Saab, early surgeons never cleaned their operating coats,
the layers of dried blood were a mark of experience.
Some cyclists treat their gloves the same way.

[Saab2000]

If your are using Specs Purist bottles, they tell you no brushing.

Saab, early surgeons never cleaned their operating coats,
the layers of dried blood were a mark of experience.
Some cyclists treat their gloves the same way.

I have a set of those and so far I just wash and rinse with soap and water. But the brush I have is a soft one and I struggle with the idea that they are so fragile. The brush I use is doesn’t have rigid bristles like a toilet brush.

People use those, right? Or is that also a mark of distinguished lack of housekeeping?