Hydration bladders are made to carry both water and sports drinks, or really any other special type of drink you decide to make for yourself to help you replenish whatever you feel you need while you’re out doing your outdoor activities.
For people who prefer energy drinks and sports drinks, they’ll have to remember that many of these types of beverages contain additives not found in water. Many of these additives, if left to sit inside it, can form into bacteria, even in those that come with interior features that help cut down on bacterial growth. If you’re in a warm climate and using energy or sports drinks in your bladder, the bacteria can multiply very fast.
Of course, even if you prefer to just use water, mold and bacteria can build up through regular use and a lack of cleaning. So, no matter what you decide to put in your hydration bladder, you need to figure out an effective way to clean it regularly to prevent health issues.
There are a few different ways you can effectively clean it and keep it clear of bacteria and mold. One way to do this is to use hot water along with a couple of spoons of baking soda or bleach. Simply run your tap till the water is hot, and before placing the water in your water bag, first, add the bleach or baking soda. Then, add the water and fill your water pack about halfway.
Close the bladder and shake it for two to five minutes. Then, let the water drain out through the bite valve to clean and disinfect the tubes and mouthpiece areas. Rinse it out with water and make sure it is chemical-free.
Another way to clean it is to purchase cleaning tabs made for disinfecting these products. Fill your hydration reservoir with clean water, then drop one tab in and let it sit that way for about a half an hour. Then, rinse and drain the bladder.
Whenever you clean your water bag, you need to ensure you’ve effectively disinfected both the tube and mouthpiece. These reservoirs tubes usually need more than just a simple rinse, since mold tends to grow in the tubes quickly.
Mold can also stain in it's tubes, and even after you’ve cleaned out the tubes, you may still see the stains. To make sure you are able to get all of the mold and bacteria out of the tube and to keep the tube stain-free, you’ll want to purchase a tube brush to help clean the tube.
Last, make sure you air dry this product before you put it away. Keep it away from the sun, and hang it out to dry somewhere inside your house.