does the exposed straw part get dirty inside (like the camelbak bite valves)?
1555975
No it does not. The orange part actually can be removed and cleaned. I have not had any issues with this probably and have taken on several mission trips and it has stay clean.
45805
If the plastic straw were to be removed, water would spill out. What keeps the water from spilling is that when the lid is shut it pinches the straw closed. The straw fits down inside, then spreads out like a gasket as it approaches the opening, then gets skinny straw-like on the other side and that is where you sip from. I am opposed to having my drinks or food in plastic. However, I think that my sister researched this and found out that it isn't the bad kind of plastic for food. Also, I keep only ice cold drinks in it. I think that the gases that leach into food from plastic do that under heat. I bought this thermos because it wasn't aluminum. I will not drink or eat from aluminum--not even aluminum foil or pots and pans. I LOVE my thermoses and bought two for my precious grandson. If I thought that they were unhealthy because of the plastic, I wouldn't have gotten them for him. I will not let him have (not do I have) plastic water bottles. Good luck in your search. You sound like a good, caring, informed mom. Learn about GMOs also.
2172474
I used the camelback bladder for a backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon. It held up very well inside the internal pocket in the pack. I did not notice any moisture inside. The humidity in the Canyon was near zero. condensation could occur if the liquid was cold and the enviroment humid. Th Camelback Bladder after all is just a medium thickness plastic bag that would be vunerable to puncture. I wouldn't trust it with my unprotected electronics.
1468669
the yellow mesh helps with the big opening. as for the straw i have seen athletes at triathlons glue them in place or use a rubber gasket "O ring" that you can find at any hardware store to help with the leak. I personally just let it splash, it doesn't seem to bother me but i and my bike get a little sticky
64633
The top and straw are dishwasher safe but the actual metal thermos is not. I think it's just not dishwasher safe because of the paint (mine had a cute cherry blossom design) but I've put in the dishwasher a couple times and it's been fine (top shelf of the dishwasher). Another point about this water bottle though - you have to screw the lid on really tight to avoid leaks. Like REALLY tight - sort of annoying.
1682477
Yes, it has the silicone straw that get squished when you close the lid. The whole silicone piece can be removed and washed.
193911
It does not have the same issue. But it will leak out of the straw if it is turned over and full. Overall i like it better than the playtex!
2081069
I get the camelbak cleaning kits. They make it really easy to clean. The cleaning kit will include all the instructions you will need!
676745
If the lid is tight, it does not leak. I use the Camelback Chute top (I swapped it out on this bottle), not this bite valve top, so I can't speak to whether or not the bite valve leaks, but I've used camelbak bite valves in the past and they don't leak.
171259
All I do with my bite valve is remove it, scrub it with a toothbrush and make sure there's nothing in the actual rubber (or whatever material it is) valve itself. If you're super paranoid, I suppose you could use some diluted bleach on any part of it as long as you wash it thoroughly. Edit: Also, for cleaning inside the bite valve once it's off, I've never had to do more than soapy water and a quick finger swipe with my pinky finger. Might be harder for people with big fingers, just shove something in there that won't poke holes in it with some soap and scrape around, you'll be good to go.
1716647
The straw is part of the filter system. If you remove the filter/straw you can still drink from the bottle if you tip it.
1058086
I have not had issues with straw leaks unless it's held upside down for an extended period of time. I have a hard time getting water out after a few sips, but my daughter will guzzle half the glass of water before coming up for air! I think it's because it's built for infant/toddler mouths, not adult mouths!
1095952
The water bottle is very easy to clean. Since it doesn't have a straw, bacteria and germs can't get trapped anywhere in the mouth piece.
789628
Don't know for sure about the straw, but I often use disposable straws anyway (just remember to get the extra long ones or they don't work). The hard straws are a lot harder to keep clean - even soaking them doesn't always clean the inside surface enough to suit me. Have used pipe cleaners more than once to remove stubborn stuff.
1151289
Super easy to clean. The flow out of the sippy spout seems a little tough to get fluid out - but we will be using the straw spout - so it's not a big deal for us.
1333559
I don't like mine at all. I never use it anymore. The straw falls off too. We love our other push button ones however. No spills in our gym bags and quick and easy to get a drink.
1639633
I pour boiling water directly into the airpot to pre-heat while I prepare the tea or coffee; no problems whatsoever. I leave the straw in to make sure it is clean. It's hard to scrub the inside of a straw. The straw has become discolored over time, but it works great and keeps the beverage hot for a surprisingly long time.