When heading out on an adventure, it is important to stay hydrated. My favorite method for hauling around water is using a water bladder (also called a hydration bladder). I like to use a water bladder because it is lighter and less bulky than water bottles, and because I don’t need to fumble around with my backpack whenever I need a drink.
The problem? Water bladders get smelly and they aren’t as easy to clean as a water bottle. No problem — here are my tips for how to clean your water bladder!
How to take apart your water bladder
After you’ve emptied out your water bladder, it should disassemble into a few parts. You’ll likely have the water reservoir, the tube, and the mouthpiece. However, the tubing on my water bladder doesn’t detach from the reservoir. Once I have taken it apart, I like to soak everything in warm, soapy water.
How to clean the water reservoir
First, you need to decide on your cleaning solution of choice. Some people use special tablets; some people like to use baking soda and vinegar — there are lots of options. My preferred cleaning solution is dish soap. I don’t like the way that the other options make the water taste afterwards.
I like to use a long dish scrubbing brush to clean the inside of the reservoir. Make sure to rinse it a few times to get rid of any of the lingering soapy taste. Once it is clean, I prop the reservoir open to dry by sticking a long kitchen utensil (I think tongs work best) through the refill hole to hold it open.
How to clean the tubing
If you are familiar with cleaning firearms, then you’ll know what a bore snake is. Basically, it is a long rope with a weighted end that you drop down the barrel of a gun. The weighted end falls out of the other side of the barrel and you can pull the rope through the barrel to help clear out any debris.
It is easy to make something like this using materials at home (such as a shoelace, paracord, etc. — the heavier your cord, the easier it will be to feed through.). You’ll need to find something that easily fits the length and diameter of your tubing. If you are using something that slides through your tubing too easily and isn’t getting the sides of tube, you can tie a knot on one end (the end that will be pulled through last) to add a little bit of extra scrubbing power as you pull it through.
Get your “bore snake” soapy and use it to clean the tubing. Rinse the tubing well and then let it air dry.
The other option is to buy a tube cleaning brush. If you’re currently using a hydration bladder where the reservoir and tubing don’t come apart like me, then you’ll need to buy a tube cleaning brush.
I’ll be honest though… I often skip the tubing.
How to clean the mouthpiece
In my opinion, the mouthpiece is the part that gets the grimiest and is deserving of the most attention. If my water bladder is starting to develop a… taste… then cleaning the mouthpiece is usually where I see the best results.
The mouthpiece on my water bladder breaks down into a cap, a bite valve, and the end of the tubing it attaches to. When I take the bite valve off, I can get at the tubing with tube cleaning brush.
I have found the most success when I use a straw cleaning brush or a pipe cleaner to clean the bite valve — really though, any bristled dish scrubber will do. Scrub everything, rinse well, and let it all dry.
How to store your water bladder
After I have cleaned my water bladder and let it dry, I like to store it in the freezer. A long time ago, I read that the freezer keeps it fresh for longer — I am not sure if it is true but it works for me (whether it’s science or it’s psychological).
There you have it! I hope these tips have given you some ideas on how to clean your water bladder. See somewhere I could improve? Let me know below.
Leave a Reply