Smelly water bottles
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Smelly water bottles
I've been trying to use more than one water bottle and I've found that my less used ones, which were sitting in a cupboard, are smelly, and remain smelly even after a cycle through the dishwasher. Should I just pitch 'em and start a new collection, or is there something I can put in the dishwasher (or sink) that would take away the dingy smell?
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#2
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You could try the cleaning tablets that hydration systems manufacturers like Camelbak make or try a very diluted bleach mixture before storing.
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Originally Posted by Digital Gee
I've been trying to use more than one water bottle and I've found that my less used ones, which were sitting in a cupboard, are smelly, and remain smelly even after a cycle through the dishwasher. Should I just pitch 'em and start a new collection, or is there something I can put in the dishwasher (or sink) that would take away the dingy smell?
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Gary,
If they were mine, I'd pitch them. However, I have about 20 freebees from various centruy rides, etc. You may try mixing a thin paste of baking soda (good ol' Arm 'n Hammer) and placing it inside the bottle, leaving it over night or longer. That can often freshin things up. Let us know if this works. We have used it on Tupperware stuff, and it generally works. OHB
If they were mine, I'd pitch them. However, I have about 20 freebees from various centruy rides, etc. You may try mixing a thin paste of baking soda (good ol' Arm 'n Hammer) and placing it inside the bottle, leaving it over night or longer. That can often freshin things up. Let us know if this works. We have used it on Tupperware stuff, and it generally works. OHB
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I'll second the baking soda. A solution of lemon juice overnight also freshens them for me. I haven't tasted that strong "plasticky" smell/taste in years...I'd assumed "better" bottles are being made of more inert plastic than the promotional give-aways.
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Plastic is to some extent slightly porous and can adsorb organic particles quite easily. These particles can be difficult to remove entirely and will rot in time where there is moisture present.
Here's what I do......
after every ride I wash out the bottle thoroughly with a little detergent added
rinse several times with water
place upside down to drain
leave it out to dry on the kitchen bench with the cap off for at least 24 hours
store in cupboard with the cap off till needed
A bottle that has been allowed to become smelly may be too difficult to rid of the smell and may be best to start with new ones.
Here's what I do......
after every ride I wash out the bottle thoroughly with a little detergent added
rinse several times with water
place upside down to drain
leave it out to dry on the kitchen bench with the cap off for at least 24 hours
store in cupboard with the cap off till needed
A bottle that has been allowed to become smelly may be too difficult to rid of the smell and may be best to start with new ones.
#7
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My bottles stay open to the air when not in use. I just turn the top over and set it down on the bottle. For cleaning, I use Efferdent Plus tablets. They leave a nice minty taste, errrrrrr, smell.
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Try five parts water and one part scotch. I don't know if it will reduce the smell, but after you drink it you won't care! Hope you had a good Christmas Gary.
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What Rocco said... but with the proportions switched around.
D
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PerformanceBike.com has water bottles that (they claim) do not attain the plastic taste. A bit more $$, however.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4341
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4341
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My two sons and I received Eddie Bauer, aluminum, fluid bottles from my wife for Christmas. The bottles are epoxy lined inside and US FDA compliant. The label claims the epoxy does not 'retain odor or taste'. They hold 20 oz. They can NOT be washed in a dishwasher and they are only recommended for cold drinks. (So a hot tottie is out!) Interesting!
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Originally Posted by stapfam
...Bottles...smell and taste plasticky...so always put a bit of Squash in to disguise the taste...
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Gary,
Toss the bottles and buy a hydration pack. Mine never smells or tastes bad and I have a well which has zero processing of the H2O. I rinse after each use and hang it up to dry. Twice a year I use the cleaning tablets and let it soak over night. I've used the same one for three years both riding and snow shoeing and it's in great shape. It was worth every dime!
With a pack you can carry more water and it's much much much safer when you drink while riding. We need you to keep those hands on the bars and eyes on the road so we can continue to receive all your thoughtful cycling insights!
Bob
Toss the bottles and buy a hydration pack. Mine never smells or tastes bad and I have a well which has zero processing of the H2O. I rinse after each use and hang it up to dry. Twice a year I use the cleaning tablets and let it soak over night. I've used the same one for three years both riding and snow shoeing and it's in great shape. It was worth every dime!
With a pack you can carry more water and it's much much much safer when you drink while riding. We need you to keep those hands on the bars and eyes on the road so we can continue to receive all your thoughtful cycling insights!
Bob
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These do not retain smell and really don't leak as they get older. No drips on your bike or your hands.
https://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store...tegorycode=168
They are very easy to drink out of when you get used to it and easy to hang on to.
https://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store...tegorycode=168
They are very easy to drink out of when you get used to it and easy to hang on to.
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Like some others, I always rinse mine after use. But I always store my upside down so any remaining moisture drains to a paper towel I put under it. I've never had any issues with taste or bacteria build-up.
#18
Very Senior Member
Originally Posted by brigadon
Plastic is to some extent slightly porous and can adsorb organic particles quite easily. These particles can be difficult to remove entirely and will rot in time where there is moisture present.
Here's what I do......
after every ride I wash out the bottle thoroughly with a little detergent added
rinse several times with water
place upside down to drain
leave it out to dry on the kitchen bench with the cap off for at least 24 hours
store in cupboard with the cap off till needed
Here's what I do......
after every ride I wash out the bottle thoroughly with a little detergent added
rinse several times with water
place upside down to drain
leave it out to dry on the kitchen bench with the cap off for at least 24 hours
store in cupboard with the cap off till needed
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Gary, I checked out the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Co. I'm sure there's some in your San Diego area. That coffee shop has the polocarbonate bottles that will fit the bicycle bottle cages. It holds more liquid than the standard bike shop bottle and its polycarbonate plastic. Price around 7-8 bucks. My guess is that Starbuck's has it too.
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Yoh G, what's up with the whining over smelly bottles? Be a man and drink. A little bacteria isn't gonna kill ya. If you run low on water just stop a any local creek and fill'er up. For winter riding, plan a ride past your local nuclear power plant. Stop at the discharge pool, fill your bottle, drop in a tea bag and you're all set. Nothing like some hot tea on a winter day! Do this a few times and you get the added benefit of not needing a light for night riding. Come on G, no more bottle phobia. What's next, afraid to pee while riding? Be a real biker, get with the program.
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Originally Posted by tom cotter
Yoh G, what's up with the whining over smelly bottles? Be a man and drink. A little bacteria isn't gonna kill ya. If you run low on water just stop a any local creek and fill'er up. For winter riding, plan a ride past your local nuclear power plant. Stop at the discharge pool, fill your bottle, drop in a tea bag and you're all set. Nothing like some hot tea on a winter day! Do this a few times and you get the added benefit of not needing a light for night riding. Come on G, no more bottle phobia. What's next, afraid to pee while riding? Be a real biker, get with the program.
You just got me laugh out loud. Thanks!!!
And I'll try your advice...
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Originally Posted by Garfield Cat
Gary, I checked out the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Co. I'm sure there's some in your San Diego area. That coffee shop has the polocarbonate bottles that will fit the bicycle bottle cages. It holds more liquid than the standard bike shop bottle and its polycarbonate plastic. Price around 7-8 bucks. My guess is that Starbuck's has it too.
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I've read somewhere that leaving water in the bottle from one ride to the next eliminates the problem. Just rinse and refill when you head out. I've been doing this for years and it works for me. Keeps my bowels cleaned out too! Just kidding - never had an issue with it, and no smell or bad taste.
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I drink 1 gallone of orange juice per 100 km (~60 miles). You can buy it everywhere and store it in your rear bag.
marmotte
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Originally Posted by marmotte
I drink 1 gallone of orange juice per 100 km (~60 miles). You can buy it everywhere and store it in your rear bag.
marmotte
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1 gallon of OJ would clear my entire system out in about two minutes, and I would need to be near the toilet for the rest of the day!
Wow.