A Camelbak is a hiker’s best friend, but it requires maintenance. You carry it on your back and sip from the bite valve whenever thirst strikes. However, you need to know how to clean the hydration pack properly. If you neglect it, mold, mildew, and bacteria will turn your water reservoir into a swamp.
Key Takeaways
- Routine care: Rinse and dry your Camelbak after every single use to prevent buildup.
- Deep cleaning: Use cleaning tablets, vinegar, or bleach every few hikes or if mold appears.
- Storage hack: Store your empty, dry reservoir in the freezer to halt bacterial growth.
- Dishwasher safety: Most modern reservoirs are top-rack safe, but hand washing extends their life.
Is a Camelbak Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, most modern Camelbak bladders (like the Crux series) are dishwasher safe. However, you cannot just throw the whole bag in there. You need to disassemble the reservoir and place the pieces on the top rack only. Avoid high-heat sanitize cycles, as extreme heat can warp the plastic or damage the O-rings.
If you have an older model or want to be 100% safe, hand washing is the best method to prolong the life of your gear.
Method 1: Deep Clean With Tablets
The manufacturer recommends using specific cleaning tablets. This is the easiest way to get a deep clean without measuring ingredients.
- Time: 20-30 minutes + drying time
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- A reservoir cleaning kit (like the CamelBak Crux Cleaning Kit)
- Dish soap
- Warm water
1. Add the Cleaning Tablet
Fill the bladder with warm water. Ensure the water is not boiling, as this can damage the plastic seams. Drop the cleaning tablet into the reservoir and seal the cap tightly. Shake the pack for a few seconds to start the reaction.
2. Prep the Tube
Drop the drinking tube into the sink while holding up the reservoir. Pinch the bite valve open until you see the cleaning solution flow out. This step is critical because it ensures the solution treats the tube and the mouthpiece, not just the bag.
3. Soak the System
Set the Camelbak down and let it soak. Check the instructions on your specific tablets, but 5 minutes is usually sufficient. Drain the system completely when time is up.
4. Scrub the Interior
Refill the bladder with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Remove the bite valve and use a snake brush (tube brush) to scrub the interior of the drinking hose. This is where biofilm loves to hide. Use a larger brush to scrub the inside of the main reservoir.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Pour out the soapy water. Rinse the bladder, tube, and valve with fresh, cool water multiple times until no soap suds remain.
6. Air Dry Completely
Disassemble the Camelbak and hang the reservoir upside down. Insert a reservoir dryer or a kitchen whisk inside the opening to keep the walls separated; this allows air to circulate. Hang the tube vertically. Do not store the pack until it is bone dry.
Method 2: Clean With Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you prefer natural ingredients over chemical tablets, your pantry holds the answer. This method helps neutralize odors.
- Time: 30-40 minutes + drying time
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Water
- White distilled vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Scrub brush
1. Mix Baking Soda and Water
Measure ¼ cup of baking soda and ¾ cup of water for every liter your reservoir holds. Pour this mixture into the bladder. Seal it and shake for 30 seconds to distribute the baking soda.
2. Add Vinegar
Pour in ¼ cup of vinegar. Prepare for a science fair reaction; the mixture will fizz and expand. Make sure you point the opening away from your face.
Quick Tip
You can use lemon juice as an alternative to vinegar if you hate the smell of vinegar. It works similarly to cut through grime and odors.
3. Vent and Soak
Shake the bag, then pinch the valve to let the fizzy solution run into the tube. Let the bladder soak for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse and Scrub
Drain the solution. Rinse the bladder three times with hot water. Use your brushes to scrub any remaining residue from the corners of the pack and the inside of the tube. Hang it up to dry.
Method 3: Remove Mold With Bleach
If you forgot about your Camelbak and now see black or green spots, you need to disinfect it. Bleach is the most effective tool for killing mold.
- Time: Overnight
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- Household bleach (unscented)
- Warm water
1. Create Bleach Solution
Fill the reservoir with warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of bleach (or a capful) per liter of water. Do not use more than this, or the plastic might absorb the chemical taste.
2. Run Solution Through Tube
Hold the reservoir above your sink. Pinch the bite valve to allow the bleach water to flow through the hose and out the mouthpiece. This ensures the mold in the tube gets treated.
3. Soak Overnight
Prop the filled Camelbak upright in a safe place. Let it soak overnight to ensure the bleach penetrates and kills the mold spores.
4. Rinse and Dry
Drain the bleach water in the morning. Rinse the Camelbak thoroughly with warm water multiple times. If it smells like chlorine, rinse it again with a little lemon juice. Hang it up to dry completely.
How to Clean a Camelbak Before First Use
You should always clean a new hydration pack to remove manufacturing residues and plastic taste.
- Mix soap and water: Fill the reservoir halfway with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap.
- Shake and drain: Shake the bag vigorously. Pinch the bite valve to let the soapy water run through the tube.
- Rinse well: Refill with fresh water and drain it through the tube to flush out the soap.
How to Dry a Camelbak Properly
Drying is the most important part of the process. If you put a damp bladder into a dark drawer, mold will return immediately.
- Use a spacer: Insert a reservoir dryer tool, a kitchen whisk, or even a wad of paper towels into the bladder to keep the plastic sides from sticking together.
- Hang the tube: Disconnect the tube and hang it vertically so gravity pulls the water out.
- Air circulation: Dry the gear in a well-ventilated area, avoiding humid bathrooms.
Tips For Preventing Mold
Maintenance is easier than scrubbing out black mold. Follow these tips to keep your water tasting fresh.
- The freezer hack: Once your Camelbak is empty and mostly dry, store it in the freezer. Bacteria and mold cannot grow in freezing temperatures.
- Water only: Try to stick to water in your reservoir. Sugary sports drinks promote rapid bacterial growth. If you use them, clean the pack immediately after the hike.
- Valve prop: Stick a toothpick in the bite valve during drying to keep it open and allow airflow.
- Lemon rinse: If you use anything other than water, rinse the pack with a little lemon juice afterward to neutralize sticky residues.
FAQs
How Often Should You Clean a Camelbak?
You should rinse your Camelbak and hang it to dry after every single use. Perform a deep clean with tablets or vinegar after every 3 to 4 uses, or immediately if you used a sugary electrolyte drink.
How Long Is Water Good for In a Camelbak?
Water is generally safe for 24 hours in a hydration pack. After that, bacteria from your saliva (which travels back up the tube) can begin to multiply in the reservoir.
Can You Put Ice In a Camelbak Reservoir?
Yes, adding ice is fine and keeps your water refreshing on hot hikes. Just be careful not to fill the bag entirely with ice, as condensation can build up on the outside of the pack and soak your gear.
How Do I Remove the Plastic Taste From My Camelbak?
To remove the plastic taste, fill the reservoir mostly with water and add the juice of one lemon or two tablespoons of baking soda. Let it soak for an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
