How do I clean the valve? This has been frustrating. It is moldy inside and I fear to drink from it!
1466457
Vishnu, if you aren't too sensitive to the smell use my method. I submerge the cap on clorine for a few minutes and later on I wash it normally and voila! Good as new.
1466458
i fill it with hot soapy water and squeeze it out through the valve. i rinse it well and repeat with clear water.tada, it's nice and clean.
1466459
Soak it in a pan with some dish soap and water, then throw it in the basket or top rack of the dishwasher on the hot wash and dry cycle.
1466460
That's easy, just snap that plastic part off and clean. If you want to clean inside the valve itself, just squirt some dish washing soap into the bottle with some warm water and shake it up. Then just squirt that mixture out and rinse it. Camelbak made some videos about it. Here's one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_G6MXnRDTM
1466461
A lot of people have a hard time figuring this out, but it is actually really well designed. The part that goes in your mouth actually pops off very easily, then you can just wipe out the mold with a paper towel or clean cloth and some soapy water. Another method is to fill the bottle with soap and water, and squirt the water out through the valve, which will dislodge most mold.Check this out:http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Support/~/link.aspx?_id=21D5139719BB4F7C9DACC2029BFFF8A7&_z=z
1466462
I don't have this problem, so I can't help you. I empty the bottle immediately after each ride and leave the top off until I fill it again. I also never close the valve, since the bottle sits upright in my bike rack holder.
2248179
Pinch the valve, and you may have to stick a wooden match in to open it. It seems that with the moisture trapped inside they stick from time to time but no worry.
2169122
I haven't noticed that. I have had mine for over a year. You might try running vinegar through it then lots of water.
1730354
Not sure what you could do to it without using something that may also touch the water. You could always go get a different valve at Home Depot or Lowes. Mine works well so it might be defective... You may want to contact the manufacturer
183553
I haven't found a way too clean it. Yet. I'm going to try cleanWith hot water and let it dry.
1232849
I would call the company requesting a replacement. It may be under warranty. I had the previous model of this one for about 7 years and one of the valves stopped working a few years into owning and they replaced it no problem.....worth a try!
1647351
same here- tried cleaning it, no luck- when I first turn it on a lot of mist comes out and then hardly any, then puffs, then nothingedit- just poured out a lot of the water out of the cup and it works beautifully again! I think it requires a lot less water in the cup than you might think...I misplaced the measuring cup that came with mine. Although if yours doesn't mist at all that's probably not the problem....edit again- it ran out of water before the cycle was done...so that doesn't seem right to me either
1389850
I have had two units now and they both have done this. My husband and I think it's due to hard water and the mineral build up. You can deep clean it, we have used a mineral cleaner on it not sure what the company would think of that. However we are back to having to get a new one due to build up. We will try distilled water only next time.
1127455
I used bleach to clean mine. You have to rinse about 100 times to make sure to get it all out but it worked. All mold gone. I left overnite. Only use enough bleach to cover the bottom
171259
All I do with my bite valve is remove it, scrub it with a toothbrush and make sure there's nothing in the actual rubber (or whatever material it is) valve itself. If you're super paranoid, I suppose you could use some diluted bleach on any part of it as long as you wash it thoroughly. Edit: Also, for cleaning inside the bite valve once it's off, I've never had to do more than soapy water and a quick finger swipe with my pinky finger. Might be harder for people with big fingers, just shove something in there that won't poke holes in it with some soap and scrape around, you'll be good to go.
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
1498921
Pour some Bar Keepers Friend inside and let it sit for about 10 minutes then scrub it with some dish soap and rinse. The same thing happened to me and this is how i fixed the problem.
194768
Make sure the tubing/vent openings are clear and clean. Use distilled water as directed, and change the water bottle, which may be helpful.
196303
Hello. I experienced the same thing. I used a pipe cleaner wire to gently clean the groves/openings and ran hot water over it weekly. Mine just gave out after about a year. I could not find a way to open up the unit to clean the inside. I am not sure if I would purchase another one. Hope this helps. Take care.
835743
There is a silicone valve, in the upper reservoir, designed to keep water in when no pressure is applied. That valve has a slit that may not have been fully opened during manufacturing. It is a simple fix. Take the valve out (something you'll do from time to time for cleaning anyway) and pinch it to make the slit open. Once you've done so, re-insert the valve and you should be good to go.
1521372
make sure you only use distilled water......if not,...try cleaning machine by running cleaning solution through
1525079
I'm sure you have, but have you tried tightening the valve? Because that part is so hard to find, I'm guessing it rarely goes bad. I guess you could try bialetti.com. I looked there but did not find it, you may have better luck.