How to Clean a Camelbak Bladder

Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: January 31, 2022

How you clean your Camelbak bladder depends on how dirty it is. If it is only mildly dirty, then use a baking soda solution or a cleaning tablet to deep clean the bladder. On the other hand, if mold has started to grow in the bladder, you will need to disinfect it. Use bleach and water to thoroughly clean and disinfect your Camelbak bladder.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning with Baking Soda

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1
Mix ¼ cup (59.15 ml) of baking soda with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. The water needs to be hot, but not boiling, as this can damage the bladder. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
- For example, if your Camelbak bladder holds 2 liters (8.45 cups) of water, then mix ½ cup (118.3 ml) of baking soda with 1 ½ cups (354.8 ml) of water.
- You may also add ¼ cup (59.15 ml) of white vinegar to the solution. If you do, the vinegar will react with the baking soda, making the solution fizz. Wait until the solution stops fizzing before pouring it into the bladder.
2
Pour the solution into the bladder. Then shake it for 30 seconds. Let the solution set for five minutes.
- If you added vinegar, open the main valve (away from your face) to let any built-up pressure escape.
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3
Lift the bladder above your head and squeeze the bite valve. This will allow the solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. Lay the bladder on its back and let the solution set for 30 minutes. Pour the solution out after 30 minutes.^{[1]
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- Make sure the hose is facing away from your face when squeezing the bite valve.
4
Scrub the bladder and tube with brushes. Use a scrub brush or a sponge to clean the bladder. For the tube, use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush. Scrub away baking soda and other residue from the bladder and tube.^{[2]
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- You can buy scrub brushes from your local hardware store, or you can purchase the Camelback Cleaning Kit which includes brushes.
Mix 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) of mild soap with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. Pour the soap solution into the bladder and shake it for 30 seconds. Pinch the bite valve to let the solution flow into the tube. Pour out the solution.^{[3]
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Thoroughly rinse the bladder until all traces of soap and the cleaning solution are gone. Drain as much water from the bladder as you can. This will make it easier to dry.^{[4]
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7
Disassemble the parts and air dry. Place the bladder and its parts upside down on a rack in your bathroom or kitchen. Or you can place it outside to dry, but do not place it in the sun.
- Use a Q-tip or another object to prop the bladder open so it can dry completely.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Hydraulic Cleaning Tablets

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1
Fill the bladder with hot water. Place one cleaning tablet into the bladder. Close the cap. Lay the bladder on its back and let the tablet dissolve for five minutes. Once the tablet has dissolved, shake the bladder for 30 to 40 seconds in order to diffuse the cleaning solution.^{[5]
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- You can purchase hydraulic cleaning tablets online.
- Alternatively, you can use denture tablets instead of the hydraulic cleaning tablets.
Pinching the bite valve will allow the cleaning solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. Once the solution is in the tube and mouthpiece, let it set for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, poor the solution out.^{[6]
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3
Create a soap and water solution. Mix 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) of a mild soap with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. Pour the soapy solution into the bladder. Pinch the bite valve again to allow the soapy solution to travel into the tube and mouthpiece.^{[7]
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- Shake the bladder for 30 seconds and then pour out the solution.
4
Remove the hose. Use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush to scrub the inside of the hose. Then use a bigger scrub brush or sponge to clean the inside of the bladder.^{[8]
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- Scrub both the tube and bladder until any and all residue is gone.
5
Rinse the parts with warm water. Rinse until all the soap is completely removed; you may need to rinse it two to three times. Then take the disassembled parts to a well-ventilated area, like an outside patio or the bathroom, to air dry.^{[9]
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- You may need to insert a wand-like object into the bladder’s entrance to keep it propped open so it can dry thoroughly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Disinfecting a Camelbak Bladder

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Then pour in ½ teaspoon (2.46 ml) of bleach. Squeeze the bite valve to allow the solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece.
Then let the solution set for 30 minutes. If the mold infestation is bad, then you may want to let it set for longer, like an hour or even overnight (24 hours). Pour the solution out once it has finished setting.
3
Scrub the bladder out. Use a scrub brush to rid the bladder of mold and mold stains. Then remove the tube and use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush to clean the tube.
- The bladder may still have some mold stains after cleaning and scrubbing it. This is normal and the bladder should still be safe to use as long as you have cleaned it thoroughly.
Rinse the bladder at least five times to remove any traces of bleach. Make sure to rinse the tube and mouthpiece as well.
Make sure to prop open the bladder so it can dry thoroughly. Roll up some paper towels into a ball or use a Q-tip to keep it propped open.

Community Q&A

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Question

What is a Camelbak Bladder?

Community Answer

Camelback is the name of the brand, but bladders are simply malleable rubber containers that hold water for you. Typically (and most certainly with Camelback) the bladder has a tube connected to it so you can access the water via the tube through a backpack the bladder is contained in. They are good for camping, as they go back down to an easily-packed size when empty.

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Question

I used the bleach method and rinsed over and over, but the water now has a bleachy taste. Will it be harmful or cause stomach upset? Anything else I can do to get it clean?

DJSquirrel Mibs

Community Answer

I would use a less harmful product like bromine tablets, but you will never get rid of the taste altogether.

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Tips

Store the bladder in the freezer in between uses to avoid mold and mildew growth.

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Deep clean the bladder after every three to four uses.

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