After a getting home from a long ride, you probably have a postride to-do list that includes eating, hydrating, and taking a long, hot shower.
One thing you might be tempted to procrastinate on, though, is cleaning out the dirty hydration pack bladder of your CamelBak. Please take it from us: If you skip this step, you’re making a big mistake. Letting your hydration bladder sit uncleaned for too long means unhealthy growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Yuck!
One of the reason riders tend to put off postride hydration bladder cleaning is because it feels like it will be this annoying chore. But in truth, all it takes is a few easy steps to clean your pack and keep a terrarium from forming.
In fact, CamelBak has pretty clear advice: The best way to care for your reservoir is to clean and dry it after every use, especially if you fill the reservoir with anything other than water. Here, experts share tips on exactly how to clean your CamelBak bladder after each use.
How to Clean a Camelbak Bladder
Follow these steps after each ride to ensure your CamelBak or other hydration pack bladder stays nice and clean:
- Mix a solution of hot water and two tablespoons of baking soda inside your reservoir. Hold it up above your head while you pinch the bite valve, allowing the mixture to run through the tube. Let the reservoir and cleaning solution sit for about 30 minutes. You can also use CamelBak Cleaning Tabs.
- Wash the reservoir with hot water and mild soap. Be sure to completely rinse away any cleaning solution before using again. You can also use CamelBak brushes from the company’s cleaning kit to scrub your reservoir and tube; brushes are the best way to ensure you are scrubbing all the areas of the reservoir clean.
- When you’re finished cleaning, be sure to air dry the reservoir so no moisture is trapped inside, which can cause mold to grow.
CamelBak CamelBak Crux Cleaning Kit
CamelBak CamelBak Crux Cleaning Kit
More Tips for Cleaning a Hydration Pack Bladder
What if you can never seem to get that soapy taste out of the bladder? Seth Beiden, former marketing manager at CamelBak, has his own tricks for keeping his reservoir from turning into an outdoor science experiment.
First, he stores his bladder rolled-up in the freezer after it’s been emptied out—the cool air keeps anything from growing inside. If he’s filled the reservoir with anything but water, he rinses it out with hot water and the juice of a lemon, which breaks down any residue and washes out easier than soap; it also leaves a much nicer aftertaste.
Beiden also uses a green scrubber pad—which reactivates the antimicrobial coating embedded in the bladder itself. (This is similar to the coating used in shoes to prevent mold and smells.) Lastly, hang-drying is always the way to go.
Beiden also shared a few additional CamelBak care tips for your worst-case scenarios:
- Let the reservoir soak overnight with hot water in it after being cleaned.
- If your valve is super dirty and you want to dry it out, you can leave a toothpick in there while it’s drying to increase airflow.
- You can always dismantle the pieces of your bladder and put them in the dishwasher.
- It’s notoriously hard to get the taste of tequila or whiskey out, so if you absolutely need to drink alcohol from a hydration pack, buy a separate bladder to dedicate solely to that purpose.
The most important thing you can do is to make prompt hydration pack cleaning a habit after every ride. And if you see visible mold that can’t be scrubbed out? Cut your losses and get yourself a new hydration bladder.
