Cleaning double hose regulator hoses

[antiquated]

Hi

As a rebreather user I'm always cleaning my counter lungs and system with Virkon tablets mixed with water. I don't hear the same concerns discussed about double hose regulator hoses as bacteria can build up in these hoses as well. What methods and solutions are you collectors using to clean out the older Natural rubber hoses.

Thanks

Antiquated

[swimjim]

And how do you get these hoses to dry out?

[YankDownUnder]

I have five rebreathers so I am familiar with the problem. The big difference is your counter lungs and scrubber get exhalation gases in them and double hose regulators do not. However, the exhaust hose does and should be rinsed very well.

I find that the best way to clean double hose regulators is the best way to clean rebreathers. Immerse the double hose regulator in clean water over night. Drager employees in Germany suggested to me the same thing for disassembeled rebreather parts. Simple Green works well and is cheap to buy. The immersion method, followed by slow drying in shade is a way of removing bacteria and salts, which do the chemical damage, and the salt crystals which do the physical damage.

[duckbill]

I just rinse, shake, rinse, shake several times with clean water, then spin dry (spinning arm, that is), then air dry out of sunlight immediately after use. While drying I shake them every once in a while to disperse what water is left for faster evaporation, then blow the humid air through and out of them.

I just started using a Listerene solution final rinse/air dry to help keep my booties from getting funky. I don't know if Listerene would hurt the rubber used in the hoses; but, if not, it might be a good anti-bacterial cleaner for the hoses as well.