CamelBak Cleaning??

[Fergie]

I just bought a new CamelBak, and am curious as to how thoroughly I need to clean it, both the bladder and the tube.

Also, is it safe to take everything apart(bladder/tube connection, tube/mouthpiece connection), and what is the best way to store the CB?

Thanks all.

Fergie

 

[jack96xj]

camlebak makes a cleaning tablet that you just drop into the reservoir with hot water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Does a fine job cleaning and sterilizing the res. There isn't really any need to take it completely apart they also sell a cleaning kit for it that has a brush that will fit the length of the drink tube. As for storing it you should definatley buy the storage hanger for it and store it with the fill cap open. I use a camel bak everyday that I am deployed and think it is a great piece of equipment. Hope this helps.

Jack

 

[5-90]

When I get a new bladder, I'll rinse it out with about a quart of fresh water with two or three drops of bleach in it, then another quart neat (the reason for the low concentration is that it's already "clean" - but you're not going to soak it, just get "warehouse crud" out of the thing. A low concentration of bleach will serve - and you won't need to spend the next hour rinsing it out.)

There are two kits you should consider getting -
Reservoir Cleaning Kit - this is a pair of soft Nylon brushes - one on a semi-rigid handle for cleaning the main bladder, and one long "tube brush" for - you guessed it - cleaning the tube. Remove the bite valve to clean out the tube. I don't typically remove the tube to clean it, but I've got the older bladders, and haven't played with the new valves yet.

Reservoir Dryer - this is a fold-up frame that you insert through the fill port. This will keep the bag open and allow it to air dry.

Before hanging the bag to dry, I'll give it about a minute through the fill port with a hair dryer on LOW or NO heat - this helps dry things out faster. Blow air in through the fill port, and let it blow out through the tube (bite valve still removed.)

I do suggest having a couple extra bite valves, and they can usually be cleaned by dunking in a quart of water with two or three drops of bleach in it and let them sit for a 15-20 minutes - then rinse thoroughly.

 

[XJ Samo]

camlebak makes a cleaning tablet that you just drop into the reservoir with hot water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Does a fine job cleaning and sterilizing the res.
Jack

Have not seen the tablet before. Do you have to rinse it out?

 

[karstic]

Follow above suggestions, use only water.

One tip I came across was to freeze the bladder half full of water then fill the rest with tap water and then you always have cold water.

 

[CanMan]

If you put Gatorade or Powerade in it, be sure to clean it out quick, and dont let it sit too long. Things tend to get sticky it makes it more of a PITA to clean.

 

[Stumpalump]

They sell a cleaning brush kit that is well worth it. It has a long skinny brush to get inside the tube. Also I've noticed that if I store it in the dark it won't grow stuff in it but if I leave it out in the light it will get funky.

 

[MudDawg]

Geeee....just keep it full of vodka....self cleaning.....JUST KIDDING!!!!

 

[Jeep914x4]

I've heard denture cleaning tablets work well to clean them. I used to use bleach but after buying the hanger to let it dry I just rinse it with hot water and baking soda, rinse and I'm ready to roll. The most important thing is to put away dry. Otherwise you will get the Camelback FUNK.

 

[redneckboarder]

ti hang it to dry get a metal coathanger and fold it in half the long way and put it inside the camelback and itll hold it apart then justhang it somewhere cheap and easy and it works well. just make sure the hanger has some type of coating on it so it doesnt rust

 

[METAL MONKEY]

honestly, i've only cleaned my bladders a couple of times over the past 3 or 4 years. i've only had one grow some nasty stuff, and that one i replaced. all others (i don't think) i don't have any problems with. using the cleaning tablets, brush kit, and drying rack would be the best way to go. i have all of the previously mentioned, but just too lazy to use them.