Every gym bag has one: the shaker bottle that smells like old milk. It is easy to ignore, but a dirty shaker is not just unpleasant. Old protein residue is a nice home for bacteria. Here is how to look after yours.
Rinse it right after use
Do not leave a shake sitting in the bottle for hours. Protein dries into a sticky layer that is hard to remove. A quick rinse with water right after you finish takes ten seconds and solves half the problem.
Wash it properly every day
Use warm water, a little dish soap and a bottle brush. Pay attention to the lid, the spout and the rubber ring. Old milk hides in the little grooves.
Take the lid apart
Many bottles have a rubber gasket or small parts inside the lid. Pull them out and wash them separately. If you never do this, that is where the smell comes from.
Avoid very hot water on plastic
Boiling water can warp some plastic bottles and lids, and then they may not seal well. Warm soapy water is enough for daily cleaning.
Deep clean once a week
Fill the bottle with warm water and a spoon of baking soda, or a mix of water and white vinegar. Leave it for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse well. Let it dry with the lid off so no moisture stays trapped.
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| Shakephere |
Store it open
Never close a wet bottle and toss it in your bag. Leave the lid off or loose so air can get in.
A few accessories that make life easier
- A battery lid for mixing. If you hate lumps, an electric shaker bottle lid can do the mixing for you. The Shakesphere electric lid is one example.
- A bottle sleeve. A neoprene shaker bottle cover gives a better grip and helps keep drinks cold for longer.
- A pill box. A small magnetic pill storage container is handy for carrying vitamins, creatine or capsules to the gym without a mess.
How long should a shaker last?
With decent care, a good bottle can last a year or more. Replace it if it is cracked, if the smell will not go away, or if the lid stops sealing.
A quick routine
Rinse after use, wash at night, air dry with the lid off, deep clean on Sunday. That is really all it takes.
A clean protein shaker makes your shake taste better and keeps your gym bag from smelling. Small habits, big difference.