Camelbak Hydration Bladder Cleaning

Even if the Camelbak is delivered well packaged, a thorough cleaning before first use is important to remove any potential contaminants such as dust, dirt, chemicals, or other residues that may have gotten onto or into the components of your hydration system during manufacturing, storage, or transport.

• Fill the hydration bladder halfway with warm water and mild soap or dish detergent.
• Shake the hydration bladder well to mix the water with the soap.
• Position the hydration bladder so that the hose connection opening is at the bottom end and the mouthpiece is below the bladder.
• Squeeze the mouthpiece to allow the cleaning solution to flow into the drinking tube and through the mouthpiece.
• After washing, rinse thoroughly.
• Let the remaining water drain out. The hydration bladder is now ready for use.
• When storing, let the hydration bladder air dry with the Reservoir Dryer accessory and ensure that there is no moisture inside. The same applies to the hose and mouthpiece.

Basically, it works the same way here as in the previous step. However, after using sticky drink liquids, we have to bring out the heavier artillery.*

• Completely empty the hydration bladder
• Fill the hydration bladder halfway with hot, but not boiling water (about 60°C) and mild soap or detergent. This will kill germs and wash out any coarse dirt.
• Shake the hydration bladder well to mix the water with the soap.
• For more severe soiling, gently clean the inside of the hydration bladder with the large cleaning brush and the drinking tube with the small one.
• Position the hydration bladder so that the connection opening of the drinking tube is at the lower end and the mouthpiece is below the hydration bladder.
• Squeeze the mouthpiece so that the cleaning solution can flow into the drinking tube and through the mouthpiece.
• After washing, rinse thoroughly and let the remaining water drain out.
• Allow the hydration bladder to air dry with the Reservoir Dryer accessory and ensure that there is no moisture inside. The same applies to the tube and mouthpiece.

* Those who use only water don't need to make too much of a science out of it. In this case, it suffices to rinse both the hydration bladder and the hose with clear water and let them dry. Water droplets still in the hose should be shaken out before hanging it up. When stored hanging and open, constant air circulation is ensured and the remaining water vapor can completely escape from all components.

Especially if you slurp fruit juices, effervescent tablets, or sticky isotonic drinks, you should give your drinking system a thorough deep cleaning every now and then.

• Disassemble the hydration bladder, tube, and mouthpiece
• Completely empty the hydration bladder
• Fill the hydration bladder halfway with hot, but not boiling water (approx. 60°C) and mild soap or dish detergent. This kills germs and washes out coarse dirt.
• Shake the hydration bladder well to mix the water with the soap.
• Carefully clean the inside of the hydration bladder with the large cleaning brush.
• After washing, rinse thoroughly and let the remaining water drain out.
• Rinse the tube and mouthpiece with water.
• Clean the tube and mouthpiece with the small cleaning brush.
• Rinse the tube and mouthpiece again with water.
• Reassemble the hydration bladder, tube, and mouthpiece.
• Refill the hydration bladder with hot, but not boiling water (approx. 60°C). Add Camelbak cleaning tablets **/***.
• Close the lid and shake the hydration bladder well.
• Position the hydration bladder so that the connection opening of the drinking tube is at the lower end and the mouthpiece is below the hydration bladder.
• Squeeze the mouthpiece for a short time to allow the cleaning solution to flow into the drinking tube and mouthpiece.
• Let the cleaning solution work for 5 minutes.
• Completely empty the hydration system (bladder, tube, and mouthpiece).
• Fill the hydration system a third time with clear water and mild soap or dish detergent, rinse, and empty.
• Allow the hydration bladder to air dry with the Reservoir Dryer accessory and ensure that no moisture is left inside.

** The Camelbak cleaning tabs contain <5% oxygen-based bleach, <5% non-ionic surfactants, and enzymes (amylase, protease). In plain language, this means that when handling a tablet, one should avoid touching the eyes. Also, the tablet should not be swallowed, and the water in which the tablet has been dissolved should not be drunk. Afterwards, wash hands thoroughly with water and soap.

*** Of course, you can achieve equally good results with conventional cleaning tablets for denture cleaning (Corega or Kukident tabs). But well-known home remedies like vinegar are also suitable, although they must be rinsed out even more thoroughly. One should refrain from using stronger cleaning agents, as they pose significant health risks if handled improperly.

Before you (re)fill your hydration system with Iso & Co., you should subject it to a thorough inspection.

• Check the secure fit of the drinking tube by pulling firmly on both ends. If the tube is loose or detaches too easily, it may be overstretched. In this case, cut off about one centimeter with a sharp knife and reattach the tube.
• Check the tightness of the lid by filling the hydration bladder with water, screwing the lid on tightly, and twisting and squeezing the bladder in all directions to ensure that nothing leaks. If the lid leaks, check the O-ring (the black rubber ring on the inside) to see if it is twisted or broken.

Reservoir Valves, Drinking Tubes and various Adapters are available as accessory parts. If the lid or O-ring is broken, contact the Camelbak Warranty Department for replacement.