Shaker Bottles and Keeping Them Clean

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Shaker Bottles and Keeping Them Clean

Why they smell, materials, cleaning properly and what to put in them

A shaker bottle is a warm damp container with protein residue in it, which is exactly the environment that causes the smell everyone complains about.

Why they smell

Protein and milk residue in the threads, under the seal and inside the lid mechanism feeds bacteria within hours. Once it has established in a scratched plastic surface it is very difficult to remove.

A bottle left sealed in a bag overnight is the usual cause, and rinsing alone does not fix it.

Cleaning properly

Rinse immediately after use, then wash with hot soapy water and a bottle brush the same day, taking the lid apart. Leave every part separated and open to dry, since a sealed damp bottle is where mould grows.

Soak in warm water with bicarbonate of soda, or diluted white vinegar, for anything that already smells. Replace a bottle whose interior is heavily scratched.

Materials

Polypropylene is light, cheap and scratches and holds odour. Tritan is clearer and more resistant. Stainless steel does not hold smell, keeps drinks cold and is heavier and cannot be microwaved.

Check any bottle is stated as BPA free, and check whether the lid is dishwasher safe, since most failures are in the lid.

What to put in them

Protein and water is straightforward. Milk and anything containing dairy should not sit at room temperature for hours, so mix it when you are going to drink it.

Carry the powder dry in a compartment and add water at the gym.

Water bottles generally

The same rules apply — wash daily, dry everything separately, and pay attention to the lid, the straw and the seal, which is where mould grows unseen. A bottle brush and a straw brush cost very little.

Do not leave juice, squash or milky drinks standing in a bottle in a warm bag.

Buying

Check the lid is dishwasher safe, that replacement seals are sold, and that it actually fits a car cup holder or a rucksack pocket if that matters.

Insulated bottles

Stainless vacuum bottles keep drinks cold for hours and do not hold odours, which suits anything other than plain water.

Protein powder itself

Keep it sealed, cool and dry, and use the scoop rather than a wet spoon, since moisture in the tub causes clumping. Check the date, since large tubs take months to finish.

Mix with a little liquid first to make a paste, then add the rest, which prevents most lumps.

Seals

Replace the gasket when it hardens, which is what causes leaks in a bag.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Beyond Shakers? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Beyond Shakers — official site

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