How do YOU clean the bucket?! Mine has a film inside and smells of mold but the screwed-on lid makes it impossible to scrub.
1009439
Think the instructions say something about cleaning it but if not I'd mix a little bleach and water swish it around should help with the smell
1009440
I removed the bucket then removed the two screws holding the top cover then washed the sides with a mixture of dish soap with about 10% bleach. I then used an old paint brush to clean the inside corners, then gave it a final rinse with warm clean water. I also cleaned the main body where the tub slides in.Hope it works for you.
1009441
I had the same problem so I first used bleach an water which killed the mold and smell, then I used CLR which did a great job of cleaning it. Hope that helps
1009442
unscrew lid pour 1 cup bleach and the rest hot water let sit for 1 hour rinse and wipe
1009443
the handle on my unit can be taken off by aligning the slot and sliding the handle over, then carefully lifting that end then the other to remove the handle , then lift the clear top the tabs last. to assemble reverse the steps
1647526
Were you using a little bleach to clean it? If so and the oders remain, then in a cup, try using a little baking soda and viniger, swish it around in it, you can let it soak if needed, then rince it well, if the smells stry in it after that, then my guess is its defective and I'd try sending it back for a replacement.
243282
I don't have this right now but if I remember correctly, the bucket goes below the seating surface. If you have everything else in place, raise the lid, then raise the seating surface. There should be a metal support underneath to place the bucket on.
1372029
Just noticed ours is moldy (after 2 years on the spout!) and I'm going to replace it. But the entire inside is coated with black. Yuck!
367039
We live in Utah where we have next to no mold problem so that is not an issue. However I was raised in the northeast where it is a big problem. I would suggest wiping it out every few weeks according to your humidity, which is the big factor. Sorry I can't help more. Have a good day.
1683926
I just cleaned mine actually...I just took it apart entirely and hand washed it like any other bottle...make sure u don't wash the filter though...that was just how I did it!!
894902
I usually just breathe on it and then polish it of with a towel. Works great! If the kids were using it with jelly fingers *sigh* I use a damp cloth to clean it off (without any cleaner or soap).
2118348
Since January 2013? How long did it perform to our satisfaction? A plastic scourer is necessary to get the inside base shiny bright as new. Vinegar alone will not remove the baked on sludge
1889052
You have to separately buy a straw cleaning brush. And in my experience, it gets moldy very quickly, even though we washed it after every use and set it out to dry. Found out the hard way when I saw a bunch of black stuff floating in it while my daughter was drinking her water!!
1033262
I clean the bucket with the hose intact and clamped. I poor a solution of filtered water and soap, using a paper towel to wipe the inside surface. After draining this solution, I add filtered water and about 1/2 to 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the bucket. I put the smaller tube and connection into the bucket and let everything set for about an hour. Last, I rinse everything with filtered water, hang tubing and set the bucket on a rack to air dry.
2036453
I had the same thing happen recently. Just make sure you change the water every 3 days, and that should take care of the mold.
833300
I would just wipe it with a soapy washcloth or Clorox wipe if it was real yucky. It's a vinyl material inside.
220933
Danielle, there is a cardboard liner between the inside, waterproof material and the outside, non-waterproof material, so I do NOT recommend doing anything other than spot cleaning. If liquid soaked through the outer material, which seems possible, the cardboard middle layer could get moldy.
1620536
Mine didn't smell like any of the odors you mentioned when I got it. It still doesn't smell like that today, after 1 year of use. I occasionally air it out - without dirty clothes in it. The only issue I've ever had to deal with was I put damp towels in it and forgot. So the bottom got moldy. I just sprayed the moldy part with hot water, scrubbed it with a tiny squirt of laundry soap, wiped it down and let it dry. It's good as new. I don't know why yours has that smell.
1049659
We normally rinse it after each use. To clean more thoroughly we use a vacuum bottle brush we bought from an ACE Hardware store. This is just a long handled round brush. We also regularly rinse the lid; note the lid can easily be partially disassembled so you can thoroughly wash the inside areas of the lid with soap and water. On the lid, under the handle of the valve for pouring, you can see a little round tab sticking out that might seem to serve no purpose. Push firmly up on that tab (not on the valve handle) and the round cap on the top or the lid, kind of like the lid of a big pop-top pill bottle. When you are done, just line the top with the bottom and snap them back together. We normally rinse it after each use. To clean more thoroughly we use a vacuum bottle brush we bought from an ACE Hardware store. This is just a long handled round brush. We also regularly rinse the lid; note the lid can easily be partially disassembled so you can thoroughly wash the inside areas of the lid with soap and water. On the lid, under the handle of the valve for pouring, you can see a little round tab sticking out that might seem to serve no purpose. Push firmly up on that tab (not on the valve handle) and the round cap on the top or the lid, kind of like the lid of a big pop-top... » Read More We normally rinse it after each use. To clean more thoroughly we use a vacuum bottle brush we bought from an ACE Hardware store. This is just a long handled round brush. We also regularly rinse the lid; note the lid can easily be partially disassembled so you can thoroughly wash the inside areas of the lid with soap and water. On the lid, under the handle of the valve for pouring, you can see a little round tab sticking out that might seem to serve no purpose. Push firmly up on that tab (not on the valve handle) and the round cap on the top or the lid, kind of like the lid of a big pop-top pill bottle. When you are done, just line the top with the bottom and snap them back together. « Show Less
992619
I just clean the jug of mine lightly, and the metal bowl part heavily, every time I refill it - which is every couple of weeks. (I have one 11 lb dachshund.) I have not had any problems with mold or mildew with that upkeep. I used a filter at first, but don't bother anymore.
1177315
I've had two of this same unit for three years & have no problems with mold. All I do weekly is take out the tall plastic unit from inside & wash it in the dishwasher with my other dishes oh also the cap of the water bottle then fill the bottle & base of unit with water & bleach & let it soak for a half hour.