Why You Need to Clean Your Hydration Pack

Hydration bladders are moist, warm environments most of the time — the perfect conditions for mould, bacteria and other organisms to thrive. All it takes is a bit of dirt, dust, or saliva to transfer impurities to your hydration pack. Over time, your water might start to taste a bit “off” and you may even see the build-up of mould inside your bladder. Hopefully, you don’t let it get to that point, but if you do, your hydration bladder is overdue for a clean.

→ The Bushbuck Hydra Bladder has antimicrobial technology which reduces the build-up of mould, bacteria, and other contaminants.

What About That Plastic Taste? 

Another reason to clean your hydration bladder before use is to remove the new plastic taste that some bladders have. Some brands are worse than others, but it’s still a good idea to give it a wash before you use it the first time. While we’re talking about plastic, make sure you get a bladder that is BPA-free and PVC-free to avoid harmful micro plastics leaching into your water.

How to Remove the Plastic Taste From a Hydration Bladder (Before Use)

When you buy a new hydration pack, we recommend putting it through this process right away. The reason we recommend lemon juice rather than baking soda or vinegar is it’s more pleasant to suck through the hose and it leaves a citrusy aftertaste. 

1. Squeeze ¼ cup (60ml) of fresh lemon juice and pour it into the bladder.

2. Fill the bladder with warm water and give it a shake to mix with the lemon water. Note: Some people also like to add baking soda to the mixture, but it’s not necessary. 

3. Suck (or squeeze) some of the lemon water through the hose.

4. Leave to soak for about an hour. 

5. Give the bladder another vigorous shake and drain the lemon water.

6. Rinse the bladder thoroughly with warm water (make sure to rinse the hose, too).

7. Hang upside down to drip dry and then store in the freezer.

How to Clean a Hydration Bladder (After Use)

When cleaning your water bladder, you can choose from several different cleaning products: Mild dish soap, baking soda with lemon juice, vinegar, or a hydration bladder cleaning tablet. Whichever cleaning product you choose, the instructions are the same.

1. Empty the bladder and give it a quick rinse with cold water.

2. Detach any pieces that you can soak and wash separately (such as the valve).

3. Add your chosen cleaning product to your reservoir. 

   1. A few squirts of mild detergent

   2. ¼ cup (60ml) of lemon juice with 1 Tbsp of baking soda

   3. ½ cup white vinegar with 1 squirt of mild dish soap

4. Fill your bladder about ¾ full with warm water

5. Shake the bladder vigorously.

6. Make sure to squeeze some of the mixture through the hose.

7. Leave to soak for about an hour.

8. If you have any detachable pieces, soak them in a bowl of the same cleaning solution. 

9. Give the bladder another vigorous shake and then empty most of the cleaning solution.

10. Use a simple scrubbing brush, tube brush, or hydration pack kit to scrub the bladder and the inside of the hose and valve.

11. Rinse the bladder thoroughly and then hang upside down to drip dry.

12. Store in the freezer 

Why Store Your Hydration Bladder in the Freezer?

Storing your water bladder in the freezer prevents the growth of any mould or bacteria when it’s not in use. This will mean you won’t have to deep clean your bladder as often. Another quick tip is, if you’re going hiking in summer, consider freezing your hydration pack with water inside it before you embark. That way, by the time you get to the trail, your water will have melted and you’ll have fresh, ice cold water for your hike.

Check out Bushbuck's hydration packs here