Gear Rx: How to Clean a Water Bladder | field and flow

Posted on Jun 16, 2022 3:00 p.m

Hydration bladders are ideal for day trips, hikes, runs and many other outdoor activities. They make accessing water easy and convenient, but after a few months of use, they can start to get sore. Worse, they can even go moldy if you let moisture in during storage.

Cleaning a hydration bladder can vary from brand to brand, and some have parts that can go in the dishwasher to sanitize. Hydration bladders usually have to be cleaned and disinfected by hand. Luckily, you can do this with a few common household items, and your hydration bladder will be fresh and ready for your next adventure.

Cleaning accessories for hydration bladders

You don't necessarily need any special equipment or a water bladder cleaning kit to get the job done. Still, you can make things easier and more accessible when you have easy access to cleaning solutions and products.

Mild dish soap is helpful for cleaning a water blister, but it's also helpful to have something to disinfect, remove odors, or kill mold. Cleaning products and solutions to consider are:

• Baking Soda - An excellent option when you need to get rid of a blister smell. Mix ¼ cup baking soda with ¾ water per quart volume. Baking soda is also good for eliminating unpleasant odors in camping coolers .

• Bleach - Be careful with this one, bleach is effective at killing bacteria and viruses, but too much can damage the integrity of the tank material. Use 2-5 drops of household bleach per liter of water and combining with the baking soda solution is safe.

• Lemons: Another way to eliminate odor is to use a mixture of ¼ lemon juice per liter of water. You can combine the lemon solution with bleach or baking soda for a more thorough clean. Leave the bubble open over a sink when using lemon and baking soda, as this can result in a bubbly or frothy reaction.

• Tank Cleaning Tablets – Probably the easiest way to clean a hydration bladder is to use a tank cleaning tablet. Many water tank companies offer them with a cleaning kit or individually. These are simple and easy. It is usually sufficient to fill the bladder with water, insert the tablet and odors are removed, deposits dissolved and disinfected.

• Denture Cleansing Tablets: Typically a less expensive alternative to land-based cleaning tablets, denture cleansing tablets are a simple and effective way to clean a water bladder.

If you opt for tank cleaning tablets, these often come in a set with cleaning brushes and drying aids. Having a scrubbing brush that reaches into the bladder helps, but a regular dish sponge can work if the opening is large enough. Although the material is durable, avoid brushes and sponges that are too abrasive. If stains or mold are present, use a solution that can loosen debris before scrubbing.

Drying after washing is an essential part of cleaning your hydration bladder. If not dried properly, mold can develop. A cleaning set is also helpful here, as these are often supplied with a drying aid. As long as the bladder can be opened to encourage airflow during drying, it should still work. Use clothespins, hangers or kitchen utensils if you don't have a cleaning kit. Ideally, the bladder should have room to hang upside down to allow air to circulate and water to drain.

If you don't have a cleaning kit, kitchen utensils like a whisk can help keep your blister open while it dries.

How to clean a hydration bladder

Regardless of which cleaning solution you choose, the general process and steps for cleaning a reservoir are the same. We always advise you to check if there are any specific cleaning instructions from the manufacturer of the water tank or cleaning tablet of your choice. If your pack comes with a hydration reservoir, the brand may be different from the bag itself, so look specifically for the hydration reservoir brand when looking for cleaning best practices.

In general, this is a two-step process that begins with using your chosen cleaning solution. You can then use a mild dish soap to remove any accumulated residue or deposits.

Using a cleaning solution:

• Fill the tank with warm (not too hot) water.

• Add the cleaning solution or tablet of your choice.

• Cap the tank. If you use lemon and baking soda, wait for it to react and bubble before sealing.

• Let the cleaning tablet completely dissolve. Move the bubble over the sink to mix the water.

• Hold the bubble over the sink and drop the hose. Push the bite valve open until a little water comes out. Drain off only enough water for the cleaning solution to flow through the drinking tube.

• Set the tank aside and let it sit for the allotted time. Cleaning tablets and kits come with application time instructions (approximately 5 minutes). If using a household cleaning solution, leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

• Drain all water from the system.

Washing with soap and water:

• Fill the reservoir and hose with warm water and add a little mild dish soap.

• Wash and scrub the inside of the bladder and the tube. A cleaning kit provides you with tools to do this, and you must remove the bite valve to properly clean the pipe.

• Drain the soapy water and rinse the tank and hose well.

After the cleaning process, it may take some time for the hydration bladder to dry. It must be completely dry before storage. Even a small amount of moisture left in the bladder or tube will allow mold to grow.

To dry, disassemble all the parts you can; usually these are the bladder, hose and bite valve. Place the reservoir upright or on a hanger to dry so that it can be upside down. If you're not using a hanger to dry, use a utensil like a whisk to place the container on a drying rack to hold it open.

We recommend doing this drying process after use, especially if there is a lot of time between uses.

frequently asked questions

Q: Can I put my water bladder in the dishwasher?

You can put a few bags of water in the top rack of the dishwasher, but it won't hold all of them. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if it's safe to clean the water tank in a dishwasher. If this is the case, most of them should have the tube and mouthpiece removed and the bladder returned.

Q: How do I remove the plastic taste from a hydration bladder?

Most of the cleaning solutions above will remove the plastic taste in a hydration bladder. One of the most effective ways to remove this taste is to use a baking soda solution, but any of these should work.

Q: How do you clean a hydration bladder tube?

Once the chosen cleaning solution has been added to the water tank, hold the reservoir over a sink with the hose hanging down. Open the nozzle to release some water. This can be enough to clean and disinfect the pipe, but using a special cleaning tool or brush can help remove dirt or mold.

Q: How do I remove mold from a blister?

All of the above cleaning solutions should kill the mold. Use a disinfectant and leave it on for the correct exposure time. Then wash with a brush and soapy water to remove any lingering stains or residue. Eliminate the risk of mold by ensuring the bladder is completely dry before storage.

Q: How often should you replace a hydration bladder?

Hydration bladders can last more than 10 years if kept clean and in good condition. As long as there are no holes in the tank, you should be able to continue using it. You are more likely to need to replace the nozzle or hose before replacing the bladder.

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