Cleaning a hydration bladder and preventing mould

A hydration bladder is handy on the go, but the least fun part comes at home: cleaning and drying. If you do not do that well, mould can form in the bladder or tube, with a musty taste or worse as a result. In this article you read a simple routine to keep your drinking system fresh, without it becoming a chore you dread.

Why a bladder is prone to mould

A bladder combines three things that attract mould: moisture, warmth and residue. If you use sugary sports drink, nutrients are left behind. And the narrow, long tube dries poorly, so moisture lingers. That is usually where the problem starts.

After each use: empty and rinse

The most important habit is simple: empty your bladder after each use and rinse it with clean water. Do not leave water in the bladder for days, certainly not in warm weather. Also rinse the tube by squeezing the bite valve until clean water runs through.

Thorough cleaning

If you used sports drink or the bladder sits unused for a while, clean it more thoroughly:

• fill the bladder with warm water and a little mild dish soap
• squeeze the soapy water through the tube so that is cleaned too
• use a long bottle brush for the bladder and a tube brush for the tube
• then rinse everything well with clean water

Some people use a mixture with a little baking soda or a special cleaning tablet. Avoid aggressive products that can affect taste or material.

The most important part: drying well

Cleaning is only half the work. A bladder you store damp will still go musty. So make sure both the bladder and the tube are fully dry before you store it.

• hold the bladder open with a spreader clip, a rolled up tea towel or a special drying rack
• hang the tube downward so water runs out
• let everything air dry, not next to a direct heat source

For longer storage some people keep a clean, dry bladder in the freezer, so mould has no chance. In any case keep it somewhere cool and dry.

When is replacing wise?

If there is stubborn mould that will not go away, or the bladder stays musty, replacing is often wiser than endless scrubbing. Take a look at the options in the water carriers. If you doubt anyway whether a bladder or bottle suits you, read carrying water on the go: bottle or bladder.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean a hydration bladder?

Rinse the bladder and tube with clean water after each use. Clean it more thoroughly now and then with warm water and a little mild dish soap, use a brush for the bladder and tube and rinse well.

How do I prevent mould in a hydration bladder?

Do not leave water in the bladder, rinse after each use and dry the bladder and tube fully before storing them. Storing them damp is the main cause of mould.

How quickly does a hydration bladder dry after use?

Held open with the tube downward, a bladder usually air dries within a day. A spreader clip or drying rack speeds this up.

Can a hydration bladder go in the dishwasher?

That depends on the model and is far from always advisable due to the heat. Hand cleaning with warm water and mild dish soap is usually safer for the material.