This is my semi-regular public service announcement to PROPERLY CLEAN YOUR BIDONS!

I know it can be a bit of a chore, but please wash out your bottles as soon as possible after a ride. This is especially important if you mix any sort of sugary powder or energy drink into your water. Sugar plus warm, moist conditions are a recipe for some pretty nasty growth. If your bottles have one-way valve lids that come apart, dismantle and scrub down all the parts inside too. These CamelBak lids can be particularly problematic…

I really like CamelBak bottles when on the bike, the one-way valve is great and easy to drink out of. I’m starting to wonder if all the little parts and hard-to-reach crevices are worth it though. They’re probably one of the hardest bottle lids to clean out properly.

If you have a dishwasher, then this probably isn’t as much of an issue. Popping your bottles in for a hot wash will do a sterling job. Just be sure they’re 100% dry before storing and pay particular attention to the lids. I don’t have a dishwasher. All my bottles get hand washed in hot soapy water as soon as possible after a ride, scrubbed thoroughly, then dried completely before being stored.

PRO TIP: Many of these nasties thrive in dark, moist and warm conditions. Storing your clean, dry bottles and lids in the freezer will prevent mould from growing!