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.
Everyday care
Tip 1 — Only fill your reservoir with water. If you use energy drinks, protein or supplements it's 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 thoroughly. Newer CamelBak bladders contain dryer arms so they're easy to hang in a way that allows air to circulate.
But if you need to give it a really good clean…
A CamelBak Antidote Cleaning Kit includes a reservoir brush to give the main reservoir a good scrub, a tube brush to reach right down the tube, a reservoir hanger which allows you to hang the reservoir upside down for good airflow, extra folding dryer arms and cleaning tablets.
Whether you use a cleaning kit, baking soda or bleach, CamelBak give the following instructions:
- 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 solution 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. Brushes are the best way to ensure you're scrubbing all of the areas of the reservoir clean.
- Once the reservoir is clean, be sure to air dry it so no moisture is trapped inside, which can cause mould to grow.
- These steps will make your reservoir safe for use. If you have spots left from mould they will never come all the way out because the reservoir is permanently stained, but it's still safe and usable.