Washing BCD's bladder from the inside

[bigduke12]

I was taught to rinse out the inside of my BCD after every dive, mainly to prevent salt crystals forming in the inflate/deflate mech.

I usually screw off one of the dump valves, as it is easier to get the hose in here than the inflator. I screw the valve back on, blow some air in, swish it around a few times and drain via the inflator. I also store partly inflated.

I get the mech serviced when I have my regs serviced.

It is possible for milder to grow inside. I have heard the best was to deal with this is a mixture of 1/3 vineger, 1/3 water, 1/3 dentured alchohol.

I must admit I have NO idea what dentured alchohol is.

 

[Dnaber]

How about the use of Saltaway for cleaning?

 

[Texasguy]

dentured alchohol - one that is not for human consumption

 

[CT Sean]

it's denatured alcohol. I personally wouldn't (and won't) put it in my BC. I've never had an issue just putting a bunch of water in it an letting it soak for awhile with a few periodic shakes and a thorough rinse.

 

[Texasguy]

Maybe a little bit of Dettol?

 

[Quero]

I use a Listerine solution.

If you want a more science-based option, read here:
Scuba Diving Medical FAQ Articles
DAN | News

 

[Dive the World]

Yes, water find it way inside. Just inflate the bcd, place the hose under a running tap - deflate - shake it all about and flush it out.

you could also get this gadget to help you out if you want.

Innovative Scuba BC Flush Hose discounts on sale Innovative Scuba Concepts

 

[Max Speed]

How about the use of Saltaway for cleaning?

I'm not too sure about this. If this is the product I use on my bike for Bonneville it's actually pretty acidic and there is always some corrosion anyway. I'd do a bit of research and maybe pull an MSDS.

Sent from my SPH-P100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[CT Sean]

assuming it's this stuff Salt-Away Home Page the MSDS says PH is 6.2. that's pretty neutral. I still prefer water

 

[Rogersea]

During OW cert I was taught to add a couple cups of fresh tap water to the BC, swish it around fully, turn it upside down and drain it, then add air to about half to three quarters full, turn it upside down in a way that the hose is the lowest point and drain again. THis last step gets almost all the water out because the air pressure blows it out. Oh yes then store hung with a bit of air inside. I've been doing it that way ever since and my BC is like new.

I started doing this when I bought my first Horse Collar, I continue to either do it or have someone do it to my gear after each day of diving.... 95% of the time I use my manual inflator hose to vent the air from my BCD while diving, so I inevitably get some water in the bladder... 99.8% of my diving has been in salt water so I want to ensure I get the salt water out of the bladder.

Periodically I rinse the bladders with a soap and vinegar solution then rinse them really, really well.

Cheers,
Roger