How to Take Care of a Camelbak Water Bladder

A Camelbak is a piece of sports and recreation equipment that carries water. The device looks similar to a back pack but is much smaller. Flexible tubing runs around to the front of the wearer making drinking on the go possible. The inner water bladder of a Camelbak must be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria from developing. Cleaning the Camelbak using the method described eliminates 99.99 percent of bacteria, according to the manufacturer's website.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Mild liquid soap
  • Reservoir brush or tube brush
  • Cleaning tablet
  • Bleach
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the zipper on the canvas covering of the Camelbak and unzip it to reveal the rubber water bladder inside. Grasp the tubing at the top of the water bladder and pull it off of the bladder to disconnect it. Pull the rubber bladder out of the canvas covering.

    • 2

      Turn on a water faucet and adjust the temperature until it is warm. Hold the water bladder under the running faucet until water runs out of the top. Turn the bladder over and pour out approximately 1/4 cup of water.

    • 3

      Add 1 teaspoon of a mild liquid soap to the water bladder. Insert the reservoir brush or tube brush that came with the Camelbak into the opening at the top of the water bladder. Push it up and down rapidly to clean the interior of the bladder.

    • 4

      Turn the water bladder upside down and allow all of the soapy water to drain out.

    • 5

      Fill the water bladder again with 1 liter of warm water and insert a cleaning tablet available from the Camelbak company or anywhere that sells Camelbak supplies. If you do not have cleaning tablets, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of bleach.

    • 6

      Shake the water bladder for 30 to 60 seconds then let it sit undisturbed for five minutes.

    • 7

      Drain the water out of the bladder then refill it with clean water to rinse. Repeat the rinsing process at least three to four times or until no soap bubbles are seen.

    • 8

      Lay or hang the water bladder in a location that has good circulation to air dry.