The bladders are great for hiking and biking.It's nice to know your fluids are close by, and you don't have to worry about the weight of water bottles.They can become host to a lot ofbacteria if not properly cleaned.With the help of some common household items, you can make sure you're quenching your thirst without having to worry about mold or mildew.
Step 1: Baking soda, bleach, and water can be used to make a solution.
Baking soda and bleach are required.Baking soda and bleach can be used to clean the bladder.When you mix the ingredients, you are ready to start cleaning.
Step 2: Purchase cleaning tabs for hydration bladders.
Cleaning kits are sold by many manufacturers of hydration bladders.The bladder cleaning tab and special brushes are included in the kits.The tabs have chlorine dioxide in them.Specialty outdoor retail stores and hydration bladder manufacturers have tabs.
Step 3: Purchase cleaning tabs for dentures.
The amount of water you need is 1 tab per liter.It is cheaper than hydration bladder cleaning tabs.They can be found at grocery stores and mega stores.
Step 4: The bladder should be filled with warm water.
The cleaning process should be done over the sink to prevent spills.Don't use hot or boiling water.The bladder materials can be harmed by hot water, so use warm water only.
Step 5: Add the cleaning solution ingredients to the water.
Seal the bladder when you add the cleaning agent to it.Put it in a container and shake it to mix.The solution will be distributed so that it covers all surface area.
Step 6: The bladder can be let to soak.
It is time to let the solution do the heavy lifting.You should let the bleach and baking soda mixture soak for 30 minutes.To find out how long to let the solution set, consult the packaging.Once the bladder is filled with cleaning solution and soaking, you can focus on the tube and bite valve.
Step 7: The tube and bite valve need to be cleaned.
The bladder needs to be raised above your head.You need help getting the solution into the tube.The tube and bite valve should be positioned over the sink.
Step 8: The tube should be filled with a cleaning solution.
To get the solution out of the bladder, pinch the bite valve.Allow solution to flow through the tube and bite valve.Release the bite valve to stop the flow and seal the tube.The solution can work on both the tube and bladder.
Step 9: It should be let to soak.
Leave the solution in the tube for 30 minutes if you use bleach and baking soda.Follow the instructions on the package if you are using a tab.The package will let you know how long the solution needs to last.Cleaning tabs have a shorter soak time.
Step 10: The bladder and tube should be emptied.
Dump the contents of the bladder down the drain.To open the tube, hold the bladder overhead and pinch the bite valve.It is possible to move on to the next phase of cleaning once it is empty.
Step 11: Put soapy water in the empty bladder and tube.
The bladder should be filled with a small amount of dish soap.The bladder should be filled with warm water and sealed.Holding the bladder overhead, pinch the bite valve and allow soapy water to flow through the tube into the sink.To hold the solution in the tube, release the valve.
Step 12: You can clean the inside of the bladder with a bottle cleaning brush.
First, open the bladder.Pick up a bottle cleaning brush.The bottle cleaning brush can be used to clean the interior surfaces.The baby section of grocery and mega stores has bottle cleaning brushes.They are great for cleaning traditional water bottles.
Step 13: You should scrub the inside of the tube.
You can purchase hydration bladder tube cleaner brushes.Clean the inside of the tube with the cleaner brush.The step gets rid of stubborn build up.You can make your own cleaning tool if you don't have a tube cleaner brush.A clean piece of wire and wet cloth or towel can be found.bend one end of the wire to make a small hook.Use a towel or cloth to cover the hook.The material should be pushed through the tube.Continue until the cloth comes out clean.
Step 14: Remove water from the hydration bladder.
The soapy water should be emptied from the bladder and tube.All surfaces of the bladder should be washed.To remove soap and debris, let the clean water flow through the tube and bite valve.Make sure to take your time on this step because the last thing you want is a mouthful of soapy water.
Step 15: The hydration bladder needs to be separated for drying.
The tube should be separated from the reservoir.Take the tube off if the bite valve can be released.Pinch the bite valve repeatedly to get rid of the water.
Step 16: Hang the bladder and tube with a clothes hanger.
Attach the bottom of the bladder with clothespins.Make sure the bladder is open.As much air flow as possible is what you want.Water can trickle from both ends if the tube is hung over the hanger.If the bladder wants to collapse, you can crumple a few paper towels and put them inside.
Step 17: The bladder and tube should be dry.
If the bladder is moist when you store it, you have a recipe for more of the things you just eliminated by sanitizing, so be patient.The bladder and tube can be hung in a room with low humidity.Don't hang the bladder in the bathroom.It's humid in the showers and baths.