I'm concerned about bacterial/fungal growth inside. It sounds like folks clean out with bleach?
440281
Rose, I don't really know. I didn't like the product (too long to fill, hard to empty fir carry-on, water bottles can do the same...) that I only used it once. It might be good for car trips when you don't have to keep filling and emptying
248596
Be sure you understand whether it is mold or mineral discoloration from the water. This unit will not grow mold, bacteria or mildew even though it is wet all the time. The molds are black dots and the size is about 1/4" diameter or bigger. The dark or light orange or yellow color is from the minerals in tap water. If you use distilled water or reverse osmosis filtered water, there will be no color change for a long time. The pure white color filters enable you to notice the color changes quickly. In rare cases, molds grow on the surface of filters. Cleaning mold is almost impossible. Do not use bleach to clean. Bleach is harmful to the body. Replacing filters is recommended, and you can buy them on their web site. The filter pads can be removed for replacement or washing by slipping them in or out of their respective slot. Maintenance: Cleaning a couple of times per month is recommended. It will not be easy cleaning filters after they get too dirty. Normally, the filters last for a few years if you clean them regularly and properly. Simply pop it in the dishwasher. If you do not have a dishwasher, without removing the filters, soak in cold water with a half cup (4 ozs.) of white vinegar for 6-7 hours. Rinse thoroughly with cold tap water.
1989290
I had the same issue. It doesn't really concern me, but I did discover that when washing them in the dishwasher if I use the hot presoak option the interiors come out spotless! I hope this helps.
839877
It should take off mildew easily with or without bleach. As long as the cleaner is okay with plastic it should not be a problem.
270035
I wash my racks in the sink. I have never cleaned the inside of the unit. I lined the bottom and anywhere fat would drip with foil and I just replace the foil. for heaven's sake don't clean the walls or door. that's where all the flavor comes from!
564307
Sorry, I can't help. When my old drainboard's plug became really ugly and I was unsuccessful in finding a replacement, I cleaned it well so that I knew it wasn't harboring mildew or bacteria. I have put the components into the dishwasher with good results.
248623
Don't know - just used with vinegar and water....would assume that bleach and water may have the same problem. Sorry I can't be more helpful!
249921
I also haven't had a problem. I've had mine nearly 6 months and it looks practically brand new inside and out. I did have a little discoloration after a few dishes I've prepared. To remedy that, I poured a little baking soda right onto a (not-too-wet) normal sponge, and it scrubbed right out. The baking soda acts as an exfoliant (as well as of course, an odor-removing deodorizer) and provides a nice, soft scrubbing action. rinse it all away. Hand dry.
2114671
I have had this issue too but discovered washing at a higher temp and or using a bit of bleach and using an extra rinse cycle keeps the synthetics fresh. Otherwise, the synthetics will stink!
2114232
When you clean the Bio-rings "only clean half of them" at once. That will leave the good Bacteria on them to build back up.
2041158
These substances are not meant to smell good in anyway, be sure to check out ambient temp vs water temperature, this can cause a humid and damp environment, try using a carbon water filter aka aquarium filter, mildew and other fungus could be growing, please be advise do not over feed water
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
556253
I'm sorry, I'm not sure. Maybe call the company. I can say it takes some pre rinsing to get them fully clean.
1403156
Oh dear: there are too many things that might cause this problem for me to answer. A cleaning cannot hurt, but I don't know if it'll solve your problem.
931684
If it is evenly grayish, I would be inclined to think it is just discoloration. I wash mine in the dishwasher and don't have any of that. Mold would get worse. Just keep it clean.
2198643
I didn't look in there till now and yes I see that too. I have used it more than 5 times so far. I will look up the directions for cleaning it
2079027
You can use anti-bacterial wipes but I wouldn't use bleach because this is real wood.