How to Clean a Hydration Bladder
The first step in caring for your hydration reservoir—the bladder-like bag that sits inside your hiking or cycling pack for lengthy periods of time packed with water—isn’t really cleaning it.
How do you get it to dry? Easy. Turn it inside out or upside down, then hang it with the mouth open over something—a wine or olive oil bottle, a spatula, the sink faucet, an empty paper towel holder—until it dries out.
“How can something we fill with pure water ever need cleaning?” you might wonder. On the other hand, bacteria and mold are resourceful little buggers that will invariably make their way into your hydration bladder. Cleaning your system on a regular basis is your best defense. It’s not difficult, but the forms are weird, so having the correct tools and knowing a few tricks can assist.
How to Clean Your Hydration Bladder
If you possess a hydration bladder, you’re probably aware that maintenance and upkeep might be difficult depending on the type and model.
Since the late 1980s, hydration bladders have been available. Camelbak, the most well-known brand on the market, was created after creator Michael Eidson filled an IV bag with water and inserted it into a tube sock while racing in a race. Cleaning occurred later because IV bags aren’t recognized for being reusable.
On the other hand, regular rinsing and drying are your best friends once more. When it’s time for a deep clean, take some dish soap and one of the cleaning solutions below and get to work:
- Clean The Reservoir
Remove the Widepac closure from the bladder and disconnect the drinking tube. Rinse the bladder thoroughly with soapy, lukewarm water and a gentle brush if necessary. Hang the bladder upside down to dry – don’t use a hair drier!
To hold the bladder walls apart, place the drinking tube, a paper tissue, or any other non-sharp item into the bladder.
- Clean The Drinking Tube
Connect the tube to the bladder to clean it. Roll up the reservoir top-down and force water through the tube by opening or disconnecting the valve; clean the tube with soapy, lukewarm water. Consider using our Tube Brush to clean the tube of any sweetened drink residue fully.
Hold it by the valve and swing it around in a circle a few times (only recommended outside with plenty of airspaces) to dry the tube.
- Clean The Drinking Valve
The valve doesn’t need to be dismantled and cleaned after regular usage with water; simply rinse it with soapy, lukewarm water.
Deconstruct the Helix drinking valve; thorough cleaning of the valve is only suggested if your valve has been driven deep into the mud or is otherwise entirely muddy and disgusting.
- Air Dry Your Hydration Bladder
Take apart each component (tube, reservoir, and bite valve). Set your reservoir upright to dry or put it on its hanger. Set the bite valve aside and hang your tube. A tube clip is available on certain hangers; the tube may also be draped over a clothing hanger or a horizontal bar.
Though it’s tempting to dry in the bathroom since you don’t mind a few drips, choosing a non-humid, out-of-the-way spot is preferable. Then allow plenty of time for everything in the hydration system to dry completely since even a tiny bit of moisture inside will encourage mold development.
If you don’t have a cup hook such as Kearns, you may use a reservoir hanger (which sometimes comes with the brush set), clothespins, or simply turn the bladder upside down and hold it open with a kitchen spoon or other object to allow it to breathe and dry.
Hydration Bladder Cleansing Supplies
If you have the correct supplies available, you’ll be more inclined to clean your reservoir. Although special equipment isn’t essential, using specialized tools will make the process easier and more thorough.
To clean your hydration bladder properly, you will need cleansing dish soap, reservoir-cleansing tablets, baking soda, lemon juice, household bleach, and denture cleaning tablets.
It will also help if you clean your hydration bladder with some cleansing tools instead of your own hands — such as cleaning brushes for the reservoir and drinking tubes, a kitchen scrub brush, and a knotted cord.
Tools like reservoir hangers, kitchen whisks, clothespins, and paper towels can act as drying aids and help you with your hydration bladder’s drying process.
Why Should You Clean Your Hydration Bladder?
Even if you merely fill your hydration bladder (also known as water bladders or reservoirs), mold and mildew can grow in it. Soft-sided plastic jars, enclosed tubes, and drinking nozzles are notorious for catching water and being difficult to dry.
The bacteria that accumulates in this stagnant water may get you sick or, at the very least, make your food taste unpleasant. Dry your bladder properly when it’s not in use and deep-clean it regularly to minimize hazardous buildup and maintain your water smelling fresh.
Cleansing your hydration bladder is vital for both your personal health and the longevity of your equipment. Mold and mildew can hasten plastic decomposition, requiring you to change nozzles more regularly or perhaps replace your hydration pack entirely.
Final Word
Bacteria and mold may easily get into your hydration bladders, but this can be avoided with regular, thorough cleanings.
There are various cleaning kits on the market that can help you avoid a musty water bladder or if you already have a moldy or soiled hydration bladder that has to be cleaned. But don’t worry if you don’t have one. The suggestions mentioned above can help you keep your hydration bladder neat and clean.
For starters, you can remove your bladder from your backpack at the very least after each ride, drain the contents, and rinse well. Fill it with clean and clear water, hold it above your head, and press the bit valve low to allow all of the clean water to flow through.
If you don’t want to bother or don’t have time to let it dry completely after that, put it in the freezer. This will prevent anything from sprouting; just remember to defrost before your next trip.