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Water reservoirs from Camelbak, commonly known as water bladders, provide a convenient way to stay hydrated while on the move. To maintain hygiene and prevent mold buildup, it's essential to clean and dry your water bladder properly. If you don’t need to use it immediately, allow it to air-dry for a day or two. For quicker drying, use paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Steps to Follow
Letting the Bladder Air-Dry
Sanitize the bladder by washing it thoroughly. Mix 2 tbsp (28.8 g) of baking soda with at least 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water, then shake the solution inside the bladder while pinching the end of the drinking tube closed. Raise the bladder over your head to ensure the mixture flows through the tube and reservoir. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes before draining it.
- For a more potent cleaning method, substitute the baking soda with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of bleach.
Wash the bottle using a mild dish soap. Apply a small amount of soap, about the size of a pea, to remove the cleaning solution. Rinse the bladder thoroughly with warm water, and then scrub the hard-to-reach areas of the Camelbak bladder with a brush. Ensure all soap residue is gone before leaving the bladder to dry completely.
Fun Fact: Camelbak also creates specialized brushes specifically designed for cleaning their water bladders.
Place the Camelbak bladder on a flat surface to air-dry. Leave the cap slightly open so air can circulate inside both the bladder and drinking tube. Allow the bladder to dry for one to two days or until all moisture has evaporated. You can test if it's fully dry by touching the inside with a clean finger to check for dampness.
Using Paper Towels
Attach a cotton ball to a piece of fishing line. Tie a knot around the cotton ball, ensuring it's securely fastened to the fishing line. If necessary, tie the knot multiple times for extra security. If you don’t have cotton balls, you can also use the tip of a Q-tip.
- Pipe cleaners are also effective for absorbing moisture from the drinking tube.
Thread the line through the drinking tube to absorb moisture. Insert the cotton end of the fishing line into the tube and push it through. Keep pushing until the cotton ball or cotton bud picks up any remaining moisture. Continue until the cotton comes out the other side of the tube.
- If the cotton ball or bud is too large to fit, trim it into a smaller piece before inserting it into the tube.
Shake out the Camelbak to eliminate any remaining water. Hold the Camelbak over the sink and gently shake it to get rid of any lingering water droplets. If there's still moisture left inside, use a paper towel to blot it out.
Stuff paper towels into the Camelbak to help dry it. Crumple several sheets of paper towels and place them inside the water bladder. Continue to stuff them in until the bladder is full, ensuring the towels touch the edges of the bladder.
- If it's hard to get the towels in with your hands, try using salad tongs to help insert them into the bottle.
Allow the Camelbak to air-dry for at least four hours. Place the water bladder on a flat surface with good airflow. Ensure that both the drinking tube and the main bladder are left open to dry properly. If needed, leave it overnight to fully dry.
Pro Tip: Try leaving your Camelbak in a spot you won't forget, like the top of your fridge, to ensure it dries completely.
