How to Use the UltraPress One-Way Drink Mix Valve Correctly

Quick answer

Install or confirm the One-Way Valve is seated in the UltraPress drink spout, then add your drink mix to the outer (unfiltered) bottle before pressing. The valve lets you flavor water without letting mix back into the filter. Rinse the valve after every sugary or salty drink, and replace it if the one-way action stops working.

Why the valve matters for drink mixes

The UltraPress purifies water by pressing it through an inner filter. If you add powders or syrups directly to the clean side, they can cling to the filter and shorten its life. The One-Way Valve solves this by creating a one-directional path: you add mix to the outer bottle, press as usual, and the valve keeps the flavored liquid from flowing back into the filter. This is the same reason the valve is now pre-installed on every UltraPress — it is meant to be part of normal use, not an afterthought.

What you need before you start

You need an UltraPress purifier, the One-Way Valve (pre-installed on current models, or a spare if you are replacing one), your drink mix or electrolyte powder, and clean water. If your valve is already installed, do not remove it unless you are cleaning or replacing it. A common mistake is trying to use the valve with a thick smoothie or pulp-heavy mix; the valve is designed for dissolvable powders and liquids, not chunks.

Step-by-step: using the valve with drink mixes

1. Remove the outer bottle from the UltraPress. 2. Add your drink mix to the outer bottle first, then fill with water. 3. Reattach the outer bottle to the purifier body. 4. Press the UltraPress as you normally would. 5. Drink from the spout. The valve opens under pressure and closes when you stop pressing. Checkpoint: if mix leaks back into the inner filter area, the valve is likely dirty or installed incorrectly — stop and clean it.

Cleaning the valve after every flavored drink

Sugary, salty, or acidic mixes leave residue that can make the valve stick. After each use, remove the valve and rinse it under warm water. For a deeper clean, soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals. Checkpoint: if the valve still sticks after cleaning, it may need replacement. A sticky valve can let mix contaminate the clean side of your purifier.

When and how to replace the valve

Replace the One-Way Valve if it no longer seals, if it leaks mix back into the filter, or if cleaning does not restore smooth one-way action. Replacement is simple: pull the old valve out of the drink spout and press the new one firmly into place. Checkpoint: after replacement, test with plain water first to confirm the valve seals before using a drink mix. Keep a spare valve on hand for trips where you plan to use mixes daily.

Quick steps for using the valve

1. Confirm the valve is installed: Check that the One-Way Valve is seated in the drink spout. On new UltraPress models it comes pre-installed, so you usually do not need to add it. If it is missing or loose, press it firmly into place before use.
2. Add mix to the outer bottle: Put your electrolyte powder or drink mix into the outer (unfiltered) bottle first, then add water. Never add mix to the inner clean side. This keeps the filter free of sugars and salts.
3. Press and drink: Reattach the outer bottle and press the UltraPress as usual. The valve opens under pressure and closes when you stop. If liquid flows back into the filter, stop and clean the valve.
4. Rinse the valve after every use: Remove the valve and rinse with warm water. For sticky mixes, soak in warm soapy water, then rinse well. Do not let residue dry inside the valve.
5. Replace if it stops sealing: If the valve leaks or sticks after cleaning, replace it. Pull out the old valve and press in a new one. Test with plain water before using a mix again.

Product facts

• UltraPress® One-Way Drink Mix Valve: Give your UltraPress a boost! Add a One-Way Valve to make it possible to add electrolytes, drink mixes into an UltraPress for fast, healthy water when on-the-go. Note: an UltraPress One-Way Valve now ships pre-installed in every UltraPress. If your UltraPress is new, the valve is already installed — you only need a spare if you are replacing a worn one or want a backup for travel.
• 16.9oz UltraPress® Purifier - Covert: Compact and ready to go anywhere! Ridiculously easy to use — the UltraPress Covert Edition fits into any pack pocket (or cup holder), requires zero setup, and makes 16.9 ounces of clean purifier water in a blazing fast 10 seconds (3L/min). Stealth on-the-go filtration and purification for the hiker, backpacker, hunter, or global adventurer seeking discretion and fast-flow purified water for drinking, filling. The valve works with this purifier, so you can add electrolytes or drink mixes to the outer bottle and still get fast purified water on the go.