Is the valve easy to clean? I always worry about mold growing inside where you cannot see or clean.
239403
It is very easy to clean! I just stick mine in the dishwasher since the bottle is dishwasher safe!
239404
There is a plastic piece which comes out and is super easy to clean and the part they drink out of is also easy with a small kitchen brush. Easiest cup I have ever cleaned actually
239405
Yes the valve is easy to clean. It is a single layer of plastic with an x valve that allows water through when you suck. Also the valves are easy to replace. I believe they sell a four pack if your valve tears or wears in any way. A friend of mine still uses hers with her 6 year old daughter and has had to replace them once. You can see what the valve looks like here. Nalgene Grip-N-Gulp Replacement Valve (Pack of 2), Clear
239406
It is dishwasher safe, so put it on the top rack and it comes clean. And if you rinse it after each use, mold should not grow.
1432027
I hand wash it but not too frequently and have never had mold. Been using since January
1479103
I never thought about the valve. I clean the lid completely. Usually wash it in the dishwasher. I have never seen a problem with it, and I use my cooker daily.
988444
No rust issues, but mold has grown on the silicon rubber ring from time to time. I occasionally pull it out and run it through dishwasher. Anytime water is trapped, mold growth is possible. I consider it to be an annoyance more than a health hazard. No issues elsewhere with mold.
257324
Cleaning it is key, otherwise it will grow mold. You can just put it in the washing machine. I didn't realize it does absorb water, so I didn't catch it in time. Even bleach and the washing machine didn't get rid of the mold.
1805933
so far, mine has been fine but i did read a few reviews that others had this problem before i got the hang of it, had trouble closing it and figuring out the steam non-steam valve and it would not even go on but subsequently - after getting help from my grand-daughter it is fine. is there a problem with closing and/or the gasket - is it clean?
838079
I have had the same issue with mold. I try getting rid of it best I can, but usually just end up dealing with it and figure it probably won't kill me.
1606419
I have only had mine for a couple months...but I haven't noticed any issues with mold. However, I do tend to make most of my food in spurts, so I'll make a bunch in a single day and freeze it...then I go through a pretty thorough cleaning of the unit.
1953399
Mine is indoors. However it has developed a few small areas of mold inside, which can be removed with a dilute vinegar solution (5 tbsp to pint of water). I would think that this might be more of a problem in a high humidity environment. You might use a bucket(s) of dehumidifying crystals to reduce the humidity.
1799795
It does not get moldy, It is stainless steel. My mother has had it for several months and all I saw was a build up of soap in the soap dish shelf. But she has not been home to clean, she has allowed relatives to use her home while she has been away and they didn't wipe anything down before they left. It is very light weight so it is easy for my 87 year old mother to pick it up and clean her shower stall.
973713
I have had mine for about 6 months and no mold. But, we do not let it sit in the water. We use it to fill the baths and then take it out of the water once the kids go in.
643229
It's easy. Just put the parts in the dishwasher. By chance if you don't have a dishwasher, I think it would be easy to clean. When I have rinsed the inside parts and nothing sticks.
2274560
Mine is holding up fine. No mold issues, but I do have a bathroom fan. I wash it regularly, but the first time it did shrink an inch or two in length. It is a nice heavy weight and I would buy it again for the elegance it provides.
1651557
It is very easy. Metal filter comes out of the top, wash with warm soapy water. I clean ours every few weeks.
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.
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.
797259
I have this, and the top part does come off. I have had no issue with cleaning it. I simply put water and white vinegar in the bottom of it and let it sit for 20-30 min. It's not moldy, and I've used it almost every night this winter. It's cool mist.