There has never been a better time to get in shape than now. Participating in some form of physical activity has become something of a social tradition. Protein shakes are something that nearly everyone drinks, regardless of their fitness level or sport. Drinking protein shakes used to be controversial, but recent studies have shown that they are an excellent way to increase your protein intake without increasing your calorie intake. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today; everyone needs a protein shaker bottle to mix up some delicious shakes. However, this comes with a big drawback if they are not cleaned frequently.
You may find yourself wondering, “Why does my protein shaker bottle smell so horrible, even after I wash it quite frequently?” The smell that comes from within the shaker or bottle is literally similar to that of a rotting corpse; in fact, it stinks so badly that we are not able to even drink the water that is contained within it. Clearly, we wash them, but I don’t understand why they still have that awful smell. For a very long time, I’ve been dealing with the same issue. Let’s find out why the protein shaker has a bad smell and how to get rid of the smell from the gym shaker.
Why does a protein shaker bottle smell?
The foul smell from gym shaker bottles is caused by the growth of bacteria when you leave your shaker for hours without washing. Bacteria thrive in the moist, warm, and dark environment of shaker bottles and cause them to smell awful.
According to a study published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, the predominant microorganisms responsible for bad odors in gym shaker bottles are Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Proteus Vulgaris, Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas, and Serratia are among the bacteria discovered in used shaker bottles.
Staphylococcus aureus (26.66%) and Escherichia coli (16.66%) were the most common microbes found in used shaker bottles.
The most striking item that was discovered as a result of this research was that it is quite difficult to avoid contamination of your Protein shaker bottles. It was shown that microorganisms are present in ninety percent of used gym shaker bottles, but shaker bottles that have not been used have no bacteria at all.
The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what you do, the bacteria and other germs will start growing in your protein shaker bottles. Some companies claim that their shaker bottles are anti-odor, and the majority of their shaker bottles are made of stainless steel.
On the surface of stainless steel, there is a chromium layer that performs two things. It prevents corrosion and provides anti-microbial resistance to the material. This implies that the shaker will not harbor bacteria or mold.
5 best ways to get rid of the protein shaker bottle smell
Since then, we have learned that the absence of bacteria in your protein shaker bottle is nearly unavoidable and almost inevitable. If your shaker bottles already contain bacteria, the only thing we can do is provide them with some additional care and suggest some ways to clean them.
Try to wash it immediately after use
Washing your protein shaker bottle immediately after use is the best way to prevent bacteria from forming in the first place. After each use, all that is required of you is to give your shaker bottles a quick cleaning with some dish soap and running water from the sink. The answer is yes; this is, by far, the best and most effective way to get rid of the smell left behind by the protein shaker bottle. Washing your protein shaker bottle right after use will help to break the cycle of procrastination as well as get rid of any smells left behind.
Simply use warm water and soap
If you are unable to wash it immediately after use and must leave it somewhere for a period of time, it’ll start to smell. Simply using warm water and soap is the most effective way to clean your protein shaker bottle. Simply add some water and a few drops of soap and leave it for 2 minutes, then rinse, and it is free from the awful smell.
Use coffee grounds after washing
Coffee grounds act as a natural deodorizer. Simply use them to scrub your hands after cooking to remove any unpleasant odours such as garlic and onions. Coffee grounds can also be used as an odor absorbent. All you have to do is leave coffee grounds in your shaker bottle overnight, and voilà! It will absorb every bad odor.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Plastic shaker bottles tend to retain bad odors if not cleaned immediately after use. If you are unable to immediately wash your shaker, just add a small amount of baking soda to the shaker. It will resist the unpleasant odor for some time; however, once you get back home or are otherwise free, you can easily wash the shaker with some soap and water.
“When this alkaline powder comes into direct contact with smells, it can make a difference.” (Baking Soda as Odor Absorber | Cook’s Illustrated, n.d.)
Deodorize with vinegar
One of the most effective ways to eliminate odors without having to worry about the addition of chemicals to your wash is to use white vinegar. Create a mixture consisting of warm water and vinegar (the proportion of vinegar to water should be approximately ¼ of the total amount of water). Spend the entire night soaking your shaker in the liquid mixture. If the odors in your shaker bottles are already unpleasant, this is the most effective way to get rid of them until morning.
Plastic vs. stainless steel protein shaker bottles?
Oh! You may be wondering now if it’s almost impossible to keep your shaker bottle from stinking without proper care are there any anti-odor protein shaker bottles on the market? So, here’s a solution: use stainless steel protein shaker bottles.
The plastic shaker bottles are, of course, made of BPA-free plastic. This means that they are safe to use and will not harm anyone’s health; however, they do begin to smell bad over time if they are not properly cared for. Obviously, there are advantages of using plastic protein shaker bottles, such as their portability and light weight, but that doesn’t really matter when it comes to health and hygiene.
On the other hand, the stainless steel protein shaker bottle is incredibly more useful and beneficial for your health and hygiene. Let me explain why it is superior to plastic protein shaker bottles. (“Metal Vs. Plastic Protein Shaker”)
- environmentally friendly and long-lasting; because they are 100% recyclable, their durability is extended.
- It is odorless and easy to clean; it has a chromium layer on its surface that makes it anti-microbial and odorless.
- Insulation and BPA-free: It is BPA-free, making it completely safe for anyone to use, and it will also keep your shakes warm or cold for a longer period of time.
These are the best ways to get rid of the bad smell that comes from your filthy shaker; if you have any other questions about this issue, please leave them in the comments. These methods fixed my issue, and I hope they will free your protein shaker of bad smells.
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References
Baking Soda as Odor Absorber | Cook’s Illustrated. (n.d.). Baking Soda as Odor Absorber | Cook’s Illustrated. Retrieved January 8, 2023, from http://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated/how_tos/5510-baking-soda-as-odor-absorber
