January 28, 2022
How to clean water bottles, flasks and bladders
Regardless of your activity, good hydration is essential.
To avoid dehydration, water is an essential element that can’t be neglected in your preparation, especially when it comes to outdoor activities such as hiking and trail running where re-hydration points can be few and far between. There are a number of different hydration solutions when you’re out on the trails including water bottles, flasks and bladders. These are essential equipment for your excursion, and it is important to take good care of them so that you can prolong their life and enjoy every sip from them. Here are our tips for cleaning your hydration systems.
SHOP HYDRATION PACKS
How to clean your water bottle
Whether it’s made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic, it’s important to regularly clean your water bottle to prevent the spread of bacteria and bad odors. This is true even if it only contains water.
- Start with a good rinse of your bottle and its cap after each use.
- Clean them with mild soap and water.
- Scrub the inside of the bottle with a bottle brush.
- Rinse the bottle and cap thoroughly.
- Turn the bottle upside down and let it air dry. Easy peasy!
How to clean your flask
Because they are so closely linked to your effort, flasks need to be cleaned regularly in order to prolong their life. After each outing:
- Fill your flasks with lukewarm water.
- Use a bottle brush to scrub the interior with soap and water
- Allow your flasks to dry by hanging them upside down.
- To clean the cap, gently remove the silicon sleeve to separate the center post, then clean with soap and water. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back together and closing the cap.
How to clean your bladder
Just like your water bottle or flask, for cleaning your bladder we recommend a combination of mild soap and water. But it’s also possible to put it in the dishwasher if it’s in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Bladders are reversible which also makes them easier to clean.
- Start by putting your hand into the bladder, grab the bottom and pull it through so that the bladder is inside out.
- You can then place the inside out bladder in the dishwasher or clean it by hand with soap and water.
- Whether you’ve cleaned it by hand or in the dishwasher, be sure to rinse with clean water.
- Dry the bladder by putting it somewhere dry with the opening facing down. Make sure it is completely dry before turning it right side out.
How to clean the bladder’s tube
It’s important to thoroughly clean the entire hydration system and not just the bladder. The tube and the bite valve, which are in direct contact with your mouth, should also be thoroughly washed. To clean the valve and the inside of the tube:
- Disconnect the tube from the bladder.
- Grab the bite valve with one hand and the tube with the other and pull them apart.
- Remove the silicone sleeve from the bite valve and clean it with mild soap.
- Clean the inside of the tube by inserting a special hydration tube brush and scrubbing with soap and water.
- Rinse well and allow to dry before re-assembling your hydration system.
A few little tricks…
- You can take your cleaning to the next level by using natural, water-soluble tablets that are specially made for this. They are equally effective at removing stains, odors and bad tastes. Simply fill your hydration system with water, place a tablet inside, let it sit for 15 to 13 minutes, rinse thoroughly, leave it to dry and then you’re ready to go!
- Once they’re clean and completely dry, you can keep your flasks and water bladders in the freezer to prevent the growth of bacteria!
