What do you clean a bcd bladder with?

[RICHinNC]

I called SeaQuest USA and asked them. Figured it is their bcd what do they recommend.

To tell the truth, the person I got really gave me the impression of no knowledge what so ever. They did ask someone else there and the other person said the use of vinegar is OK but to be sure and rinse out the bladder very well with clean water.

I also sent an email to SQ to see if I get a different answer. My nephew was a navy diver before he became a seal and he says they use vinegar as well.

One thought I have always had. Why isnt there an inflow and outflow port on the bcd so that water can be put through the bladder with ease and mega more efficiency. I am sure someone will say it is just another point of failure and potential leak...and that is probably true. Just a thought

I will let you know what SQ says if they answer my email.

 

[Soggy]

Rinse with fresh water after every dive, hang with the inflator hose hanging down and purge the water every so often.

If you are worried about stuff growing in there, just dive more often...it'll get rinsed more often.

 

[zeN||]

The risk of infection is relevant in the bcd because it is stagnant, moist, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth ~Z

 

[Swordfish]

I use liquid Dove soap -- for inside and out.

 

[nyresq]

I use a few drops of liquid ivory (99.44% pure... pure what though??)

I rinse it twice with just clean water, then 3 or 4 DROPS and fill about a third of the way with water, splash it around and shake for a minute or two, then dump and rinse. It will take about 5 or 6 good flushes to get all the soap out, but ivory is safe and nontoxic so even if there is a little residue it won't hurt you if ingested. After 6 times filling halfway shaking and dumping I can't taste any soap and it won't form bubbles when you shake it.

I had a seapro AT-PAC BC for 6 years with a bladder that looked new inside when I sold it, and when I dove wet I used to end a dive with alot of salt water in my BC, never had any problems.

Like Docmartin was saying, alcohol will dry out rubber, so I try to avoid cleaning rubber seals and parts with alcohol.