Camelbak care question

[rocknrollgirl]

We use Camelbacks all the time. To keep it clean, I have a 2 fold system. First, we store them in the freezer in a ziplock bag.. It prevents mold growth. When you are done using it, rinse it out with hot water and let it drain through the hose. Every month or so, I use denture tabs to clean them. Just throw 2 tabs in the bladder and fill it with warm water. Make sure you get the water with the dissolved tab into the hose. Let it sit for a few hours. Drain and rinse. Then back in the freezer. I have been doing this for years and have not had any issues.

[Catrin]

I did the the same basic thing with my Camelbak and never had a problem with it. I would also put electrolytes in my water but never had problems with mold. It may have been Rocknrollgirl who advised me on this, I no longer remember. The freezer solution was the only one I was every comfortable with - especially after starting to put "stuff" in my water

[Helene2013]

I use mine for longer rides (like 80-100km) and once home, I rinsed it off properly, then add a few drops of javex, shake it well and let the water run through the hose and rinse twice and hang it on clothesline for it to dry. So far so good. Writing it takes almost as much time as doing the job.

In fact, it has been stored for too long...gotta get it out for a long ride on Sunday. May need to wash it again, just to be safe.

[OakLeaf]

What is javex?



I have always had trouble with mold in the hoses if I don't brush them out. Even when I never put anything in them but water. Even when I hang them promptly after use, and even if I pull off the bite valve, which is a lot easier and less destructive with some styles than with others. Some of the newer styles with the quick-connect valves, it's not even possible to open both ends of the hose (some of them, the valve is on the reservoir side, others, the valve is on the hose side) - the quick connect has to be cut off to be replaced if it breaks. So I *highly* recommend the brush.

It probably has a lot to do with ambient humidity. If you live in a dry climate, things will dry quickly, maybe quick enough that mold won't grow. In my climate, it takes a minimum of three days, often longer, for all the water droplets to dry from the inside of a hose that's open at both ends and hung vertically. Mold WILL grow under those conditions.

[Helene2013]

Javel water.

[OakLeaf]

Javel water.

OK, I googled.

For the Americans here: Javel water is chlorine bleach, Javex is a brand name.

[Becky]

Freeze it. I only use water in my hydration bladders, to cut down on maintenance, and store them in the fridge or freezer.