How to Remove a Bad Taste From a Hydration Bladder

Hydration bladders can be filled with water and slipped into a backpack to provide an easy-to-reach source of fluid when on-the-go. Yet new bladders can taste like plastic while older ones can grow mildew. The secret to avoiding a bad taste is in the prevention. Cleaning and drying out your hydration bladder is key to keeping your water tasting fresh. A number of methods can remove bad tastes from your hydration pack.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • Lemon juice
  • or
  • 2 denture tablets
  • Chlorine bleach
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Instructions

  1. Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

    • 1

      Fill the bladder with water until it is 75 percent full. Add 1/4 cup baking soda, seal and massage around the bladder. Ensure the water mixture moves into the drinking tube and the mouth piece. Leave to rest for 30 minutes

    • 2

      Open the bladder. Add a dash of lemon juice. The chemical reaction should flush any bad tastes and odors.

    • 3

      Empty the mixture. Rinse.

    Denture Tablets

    • 4

      Fill the bladder halfway with warm water.

    • 5

      Insert 2 denture tablets and allow time to dissolve. Seal the bladder. Swill the liquid around so it reaches the interior, including the tube and mouth piece.

    • 6

      Rinse.

    Chlorine Bleach

    • 7

      Fill the bladder halfway with water. Add a maximum of 3 drops of chlorine bleach.

    • 8

      Swill the liquid around to reach all components of the hydration bladder. This will sterilize the bladder and remove any bad tastes or odors.

    • 9

      Rinse several times to ensure you remove the chlorine bleach before use.