Hydration bladders are likely familiar to anybody interested in the great outdoors or hydration. When you’re out on the trail or away from public facilities, these handy items make it simple to remain hydrated. Whether you’re on a short hike or a lengthy expedition, hydration bladders enable you to carry varied quantities of liquid. A hydration bladder is ideal for all types of hiking expeditions since it allows you to easily get water while keeping your hands free. Hydration bladders also have a longer lifetime than water bottles and keep the water cold.
Cleaning a water bladder entail following these steps:
- Fill the system with a mixture of hot water and cleanser.
- Soak for a few minutes, then drain before scrubbing and rinsing.
- Set aside to dry naturally.
Solution for Cleaning
You’ll need a mild dish soap as well as one of the cleaning solutions listed below:
No need to measure reservoir cleaning pills. Simply take a pill designed to dissolve deposits that might accumulate over time in your hydration system.
Baking soda
An all-purpose cleanser and odour remover. Platypus suggests a ratio of 14 cup baking soda to 34 cups water per liter of reservoir capacity.
Bleach
It eliminates germs and viruses in the home. For a more thorough cleaning, use bleach and baking soda.
Lemon juice
It aids in the neutralization of scents that are very strong. Platypus suggests a ratio of 14 cup lemon juice to 1 liter water. It may also be used with bleach and/or baking soda; however, since lemon juice and baking soda induce a fizzy reaction, the reservoir opening must be pointed away from you.
Denture-cleaning tablets
While not designed for use with a hydration system, some individuals use them as a low-cost alternative to pricey cleaning tablets.
You will Need:
Scrubbing pad or scrub brush for the kitchen: You probably already have one of these, but it may not reach all of the difficult-to-reach areas.A knotted rope that is longer than your drinking tube and has a big enough not to fit snuggly within it. During the scrubbing process, just draw the string and knot many times through the tube.
Drying Aids
To enable air to circulate, keep the bladder completely open
• Reservoir hanger: While the majority of reservoir hangers will fit any bladder, a handful are exclusively compatible with certain reservoir models.
• A clothes hanger, as well as clothespins
• A kitchen whisk: Insert it into the bladder to keep it open wide.
• Paper towels: Stack plenty in the reservoir to keep it wide open.
Cleaning and scrubbing a water Bladder
The procedure is divided into two stages. To neutralize nasties all throughout system, users first prepare as well as apply a cleanser.Then, to assist remove any remaining cleaning solution residue, you’ll wash with dish soap.
Step 1
- Fill the bladder halfway with warm water (not too hot to scorch you), add a cleaning pill (or your own cleaning materials), close it, and shake it.
- Raise the reservoir, allowing the tube to fall into the sink, and then pinch open the bite valve until water starts to flow out. This guarantees that the cleaning solution reaches all parts of the reservoir system.
- Allow it all to soak just a few minutes. Wait around 20 minutes if you’re using a combination of household materials, or five minutes if you’re using reservoir-cleaning tablets. The system must then be drained.
Step 2: Wash the dishes with dish soap and then rinse them
- Scrub the bladder’s inside first, then the tube’s interior. Remove the bite valve, which you may clean individually, to make this simpler.
- Make sure everything is completely dry.
Step 3: Air Drying
1. Take apart each component (tube, reservoir and bite valve).
2. Dry your reservoir by hanging it on a hook or by standing it upright.
3. Hang your tube and put the bite valve in a separate location. A tube clip is available on certain hangers, and the tube may also be draped over a clothing hanger or a horizontal bar.
- Drain the water from the packet by massaging it. Repeat the valve-biting procedure with warm water and a spoonful of bleach. Thoroughly rinse and dry
- Warm Water + Baking Soda. Fill your bladder with warm water and 2 tbsp baking soda, then massage it.
- This strategy appealed to us since it is preventive as well as remedial. Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaning that won’t affect your luggage in any way.
- Lemon Juice and the Freezer • Lemons contain citric acid, which has antibacterial properties against moulds and germs. This, along with the fact that lemons are a ubiquitous household item, makes this a cleaning regimen that is often discussed on the internet.
However, for us, this strategy did not work. If you’re beyond the preventive phases of bladder care, as we were, I wouldn’t suggest it. It could work for you if your bag isn’t mould yet.
Cleaning an old water bladder
Lime juice, baking soda, and vinegar are all natural cleaners that can be used for dish soap in some cases. Simply fill your reservoir half with hot water. Then jump to one tablespoon of baking soda and after that add one tablespoon of white vinegar. Soaking time should be 21 to 22 minutes. The wash it and make sure you cover all areas.
Is it necessary for me to clean my bladder on a regular basis?
Is It Necessary to Wash Your Hydration Bladder on a Regular Basis? After each usage, clean and thoroughly dry your bag. Following the directions in one or a combination of the procedures given above, you should properly clean it once or twice a month if you use it often.
What is the composition of a water bladder?
Strong but flexible polymers, such as TPU or PEVA, are used to create the most lasting and high-quality water bladders. Whatever you choose, be sure it’s BPA-free and supple enough to conform to your back’s curves.
