How to Clean a Camelbak (Hydration Pack) – Step-by-Step Guide and More

Knowing how to clean a camelbak bladder is essential to making sure you can use it safely again in the future. This article will give you a step-by-step tutorial on the best way to clean a camelbak.

The first time I found green fuzz floating in my Camelbak, I seriously considered just buying a new one. But after years of trail running, backpacking, and sweaty summer hikes, I’ve learned there’s no need to toss a good hydration pack – you just need the right cleaning routine.

If you already purchased one of my recommendations of best running hydration pack, then you’ll need today’s article to make sure it will last as long as possible, and it’s always safe to use.

Quick Summary: How to Clean a Camelbak in 5 Steps

Pressed for time? Here’s a lightning-fast summary:

1. Drain everything out.
2. Fill with a cleaning solution (vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or cleaning tablets).
3. Scrub gently if you have a brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Hang wide open to dry completely.

Read on for the full details, expert tricks, and mistakes to avoid.

Cleaning Products for Your Hydration Pack

You don’t need anything fancy. You can use household staples or grab a few specialty items if you want an easier life.

Common household options:

• Bleach (diluted)
• White wine vinegar
• Lemon or lime juice
• Clean water

Specialty options (affiliate links):

• Cleaning tablets (you can also find them in physical outdoor stores)
• Hydration pack cleaning kits (with brushes, hooks, and tablets)

Pro tip: Lemons and limes are trail-friendly. They survive in a backpack, and their juice, diluted 1:10 with water, can fight off bacteria until you can clean your bladder properly.

Vinegar vs. Bleach

I prefer vinegar for regular cleaning. It’s safer, has less risk of leftover chemicals, and does a solid job. Bleach is great for heavy-duty cleaning, but it must be rinsed out thoroughly.

Bleach is more harmful to the human body than vinegar is, so vinegar should be your first option. When using bleach ensure that it is washed out very thoroughly before the camelback or hydration pack is used again.

Never skip the rinse step, especially with bleach or vinegar, to avoid bad tastes or worse.

Also read: Best Water Enhancers to Help You Stay Hydrated

Deep Cleaning Your Camelbak: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Empty the Bladder

After every use, drain all the water or sports drink. Hold the bladder above the hose and pinch the bite valve to get every last drop. Don’t leave sticky drinks or flavored water in overnight, as mold loves sugar.

Step 2: Add Cleaning Solution

Vinegar, bleach, or lemon juice: Dilute to a 1:10 ratio (one part cleaner to ten parts water).

Cleaning tablets: Follow package directions (usually 1 tablet per liter of warm water).

Fill the bladder, seal it, and shake. Get some solution through the hose by lifting the bladder and pinching the bite valve until the solution runs out. If you’ve got a brush, scrub the inside gently. The goal is to avoid damaging the lining – soft, slow strokes work best.

Let the solution sit. Tablets: 5 minutes (or as instructed) Vinegar or lemon juice: Up to 30 minutes. Bleach: 30 minutes, but no longer.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse Thoroughly

Release all the liquid. Squeeze out what you can from the reservoir and hose. Rinse everything multiple times with fresh water, and be extremely thorough if you used bleach. Get water flowing through the hose and the bite valve.

Step 4: Dry Completely

Hang the bladder open. Use included hooks, a wooden spoon, or even chopsticks to prop the sides apart. The more airflow, the better. Do not let the reservoir sides touch – dampness leads to mildew.

Quick hack: If you’re on the go, blow up the bladder like a balloon to separate the sides before hanging.

Step 5: Taste Test and Repeat if Needed

When everything’s dry, fill the bladder with plain water and check the taste. If there’s any odd flavor, rinse and repeat the cleaning steps. A funky taste usually means you missed some cleaning solution or there’s lingering residue.

Always test with water only, not juice or sports drinks, as these can mask unpleasant flavors or smells.

Also read: Appalachian Trail Apps You Should Use

Aseptic Storage

Once your hydration pack is clean and dry, and you do not have any intentions of using it again soon, it is highly recommended to store it, neatly folded with its components, in the freezer.

Bacteria and other microbial life cannot flourish or even survive in such cold temperatures, which is also why perishable foods are stored in the freezer.

Your hydration pack will stay clean and intact safely and away from germs and bacteria until you are ready for its next use.

These devices only require deep cleaning efforts every few months, provided they are always drained and dried immediately after use.

If anything other than water was contained inside the reservoir, it will be necessary to deep clean after every use.

Safety Tips and What Not to Do

• Never use boiling water, as extreme heat can warp or destroy your bladder.
• Don’t use harsh or abrasive scrubbers inside the bladder.
• Don’t store wet or even slightly damp – mold grows fast.
• Be cautious with bleach; rinse thoroughly. I keep saying this because it’s very important and I don’t want you to miss it.

And since we’re on the safety topic, why not take a look at my recommended water purification tablets?

Why Clean Your Hydration Pack?

Leaving residue in your hydration pack not only shortens its life but can affect your health. Even after a single missed cleaning, bacteria and mold start building up. Over time, that means a funky taste and potentially a ruined pack.

A clean Camelbak (aka any type of hydration pack) keeps your water safe, your hikes enjoyable, and your gear lasting for years. Trust me, nothing ruins a day outdoors faster than taking a big gulp of musty water.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean your hydration pack bladder will not only extend its life and prevent discoloring, but will also prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew inside it.

Have you cleaned your hydration pack in a more efficient way, or do you have an interesting story about your camelback? Share your experiences with us, we’d love to hear from you!