How Often Should I Clean My CamelBak Bladder?
With any hydration pack, it’s important to deep clean it once or twice a month. However, it’s best to rinse your reservoir tube and dry it after every use.
Here are some steps you can take to clean your hydration pack:
Empty and dry the reservoir after each use.
Clean the reservoir after every few uses
You can use CamelBak cleaning tablets, which are self-dissolving deep cleaning solutions OR you can also use a cleaning solution of two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with hot water.
Fill the reservoir halfway with warm water and cleaning tablets or baking soda. Shake to mix.
Elevate the reservoir so the drink tube exit port is at the base and the bite valve is below the reservoir. Pinch the bite valve to allow the cleaning solution to flow through the tube.
Let the reservoir and cleaning solution sit for about 30 minutes.
Wash the reservoir with hot water and mild soap and rinse away any cleaning solution.
Air dry: disassemble the tube, reservoir, and bite valve and hang them up to air dry.
Pro tip: if you can't dry it all the way, you can store it in the freezer to keep it clean and prevent the growth of anything. Freezing the bladder can also remove odors.
If any part of your hydration system becomes too nasty to salvage, you'll find replacement parts on line.
Yes, you can use vinegar to clean a Camelbak bladder:
Mix one part white vinegar with six to 10 parts hot water
Pour the mixture into the Camelbak and close the lid
Swish the mixture around for about five minutes
Rinse with clean water and drain
Air dry
