Sometimes you need to clean your CamelBak’s hydration reservoir in-between times of use. Whether it’s starting to appear dirty or you are preparing to store it for the time being, washing is a necessary step to taking care of the bladder.
But washing isn’t the only important step to the process, drying the bladder in a way that won’t damage it for the future is also an essential measure.
Below, you will find tips and tricks for how to dry a CamelBak bladder, including what actions to avoid.
General Tips For Drying a CamelBak
While it is possible that you did this during the washing stages, make sure all pieces of the CamelBak are disassembled. The bladder, tube, and bite valve need to be in separate orientations to dry properly.
After using warm water to clean, try to squeeze as much water out of it as you possibly can to expedite the process. It is then best to have your drying set up in a non-humid location that is out of the way.
Using a Reservoir Hanger
The most official way to go about drying your CamelBak bladder is to purchase a reservoir hanger. Some will fit any brand or model of the bladder, but some do only work with certain models.
All you have to do it hang the bladder on the hanger and wait until it has completely air-dried.
Hanging it to Dry Using Clothespins
This can work inside or outside, using either a clothesline or a hanger. The bladder can be clipped to a line or a hanger to drip and air dry. However, be sure that the clothespins are not trapping any water inside the bladder.
Using a Broken Hanger
If you break one side of a plastic hanger to insert into the bladder, you can then hang it up while propping the bladder open to dry. This is a convenient method though not the fastest.
Using a Kitchen Whisk
This method is one of the easier ones because all you need to do is put the kitchen whisk into the bladder to hold it open so that water does not get stuck in any crevices or folds.
Then you can put it on a drying rack or prop it up in some other way to dry.
Paper Towels
The paper towels are useful for cleaning and will absorb the water inside the bladder. If you stuff the reservoir full enough, there won’t be any folds for water to get trapped in. Let it sit until dry, occasionally replacing the paper towels to speed the process along.
One caveat to this process is that if your hand cannot fit inside the opening, you may not want to stuff too many paper towels inside as they can get stuck.
Hair Dryer
Only use this option if you are incredibly short on time. Put the dryer on the lowest heat and power settings and do not touch the bag with the dryer under any circumstances.
Otherwise, the bag could become damaged or even begin to melt. Do not stick the dryer inside the bladder either, but hold it at the opening.
Things to Watch Out For With Your CamelBak
While drying the water bladder in the bathroom is tempting to do, you should avoid doing so if the bathroom is going to be used a lot for showers or baths. Too much humidity in the air will prevent the reservoir from drying in a timely manner.
Do not store the bladder if there is any moisture at all in it. The material the reservoir is made up of will trap the water in folds and crevices, which invites the growth of bacteria that causes mold and mildew.
If you follow some combination of these instructions, your hydration bladder will be dried and ready for storage.
How to Free CamelBak Bladder to Prevent Molds
People residing in humid surroundings where bacteria survive easily and quickly should consider freezing it. In addition, if you either fill your CamelBak Bladder with sticky materials or encounter sports drinks, it is necessary to freeze it.
Ensure the CamelBak Bladder is empty and rinsed before freezing it until you achieve your desired output. Freezing prevents micro-organic or moisture from growing significantly.
How to Clean CamelBak Bladder by Hand
The CamelBak company sells different kinds of CamelBak Bladders such as Platypus, Osprey, and Gregory, which can be comfortably cleaned by hand using hot water. Firstly, wash it with soapy water and then rinse it thoroughly.
Additionally, use natural cleaners such as baking soda and lemon juice to clean your water bladder. Some fill their reservoir halfway with hot water and then add a teaspoon of white vinegar and baking soda. Eventually, let the solution soak for around 20 minutes before rinsing it.
Carefully remove its mouth valve and keep the remaining pieces soaked into a container of warm soapy water. Afterward, rinse and dry it thoroughly.
You could also use a brush to scrub your CamelBak Bladder’s inside and the skinny areas. Some use a thin cord with a knot at one end to clean their CamelBak Bladder.
How To Store The CamelBak Bladder
Always store the bladder in a cool and dry area to prevent moisture or the chance of mold. It’s important to make sure the pack and bite valve are completely dry before placing them anywhere for storage.
One popular area to keep your CamelBak in between uses is in the freezer. This option is great because it helps prevent it from getting dirty while it sits.
Make sure you don’t have the top closed when putting it in the freezer otherwise you might have issues opening it up later on.
