How to Clean a CamelBak

If you use a CamelBak while camping or adventuring you need to make sure you clean it properly after every use.  This is especially true if you fill the CamelBak with something other than water.

Tip 1 - Only fill your reservoir with water, if you use energy drinks, protein or supplements its likely to get sticky or have liquid left in it if it isn’t cleaned well.

Tip 2 - After every use clean your reservoir, run water through it, and then hang it up to dry throughly, the new CamelBak bladders contain dryer arms so they are easy to hang in a way that allows air to circulate.

But if you need to give it a really good clean…

Buy a CamelBak Antidote Cleaning Kit.  This pack includes - A reservoir brush which will help you give the main reservoir a good scrub, a tube brush which will reach right down the tube, an Antidote™ Quick Link™ reservoir hanger which allows you to hang the reservoir upside down allowing a good airflow to dry it fully, 2 extra folding dryer arms and 2 cleaning tablets.

Whether you use the CamelBak cleaning kit, baking soda or bleach CamelBak give the following instructions on their website.

  • Use hot water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda or bleach.  Mix the solution inside your reservoir and hold it up above your head while you pinch the bite valve, allowing the bleached water to run through the tube.  You can also use CamelBak Cleaning Tabs.
  • Let the reservoir and cleaning solution sit for about 30 minutes.
  • Wash the reservoir with hot water and mild soap. Be sure to completely rinse away any bleach or cleaning solution before using again.  You can also use CamelBak brushes from our Cleaning Kit to scrub your reservoir and tube.  Brushes are the best way to ensure you are scrubbing all of the areas of the reservoir clean.
  • Once the reservoir is clean, be sure to air dry the reservoir so no moisture is trapped inside, which can cause mold to grow.
  • These steps will make your reservoir safe for use.  If you have spots left from the mold, they will never come all the way out because the reservoir is permanently stained, but still safe and usable.

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