Forums >Gears and Wears>Mold in Camelbak Jet Valve (TM)
Petco Run/Walk/Wag 5k
Anyone have experience with mold forming inside a Camelbak Jet Valve? I keep getting some forming inside the valve and can't get rid of it even after cleaning with Clorax disinfectant wipe inserted using a tooth pic and soaking in bleach. Keeps coming back even when dry. Must stay damp enough inside the mechanism to keep the stuff coming back.
thanks
bob e v 2014 goals: keep on running! Is there anything more than that?
Complete the last 3 races in the Austin Distance Challenge, Rogue 30k, 3M Half, Austin Full
Break the 1000 mi barrier!
History: blessed heart attack 3/15/2008; c25k july 2008 first 5k 10/26/2008 on 62nd birthday.
I soaked the cap of my Camelbak cycling bottles in 10% bleach, then washed with a narrow-gauge bottle brush and rinsed copiously. After that, I store them in the fridge. (Camelback actually recommends that to prevent mold growth.) I've reused them for up to a week (at least one new liquid in there per day) without washing, and so long as they've gone back in the fridge when I was done, I've not had mold re-growth.
Hitting them with full-strength bleach can degrade the silicone and actually create more nooks and crannies for mold to grow.
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jules2
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Thanks for the suggestions. Will give it a try. I don't use sports drinks or anything sugary, just water. Have to watch sugars, and some colored drinks can irritate my overactive bladder, so its water only. Will give the fridge a go while I look for some sterilizing tablets to top it off.
FYI, it may not be mold. water hoses commonly build up mineral deposits, They are fairly harmless.
I should have said its a water bottle with a Jet Valve.
When I used to do a lot of mountain biking I stored my camelback bladders and valves in the freezer. Never had a mold problem after that.
I've heard that you can use denture cleaning tablets.
Yeah - that's what I do too.
I was thinking about the freezer after hearing about refrigerator but was concerned about residual moisture freezing and change in temp affects on the mechanism. Glad to hear others have done successfully.
Yep.
A Saucy Wench
Efferdent is fantastic for cleaning out camelbaks. And metal coffee pots. Fill the bladder, once it dissolves and fizzes, bleed enough through the hose that the whole thing is filled with efferdent. Let sit over night.
Rinse really really freaking well because the light minty aftertaste is nasty on a long run.
MTA - just saw it is the bottle cap, same thing only put the solution in a bowl and soak the valve in the open position. I would also squirt some through the valve before soaking.
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