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Cleaning Sports Gear
How to Clean a Camelbak Bladder Download Article Reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
Last Updated: October 13, 2025
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Cleaning with Baking Soda
|
Using Hydraulic Cleaning Tablets
|
Disinfecting a Camelbak Bladder
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 82,196 times.
How you clean your Camelbak bladder depends on how dirty it is. If it is only mildly dirty, then use a baking soda solution or a cleaning tablet to deep clean the bladder. On the other hand, if mold has started to grow in the bladder, you will need to disinfect it. Use bleach and water to thoroughly clean and disinfect your Camelbak bladder.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Cleaning with Baking Soda
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1 Mix ¼ cup (59.15 ml) of baking soda with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. The water needs to be hot, but not boiling, as this can damage the bladder. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
For example, if your Camelbak bladder holds 2 liters (8.45 cups) of water, then mix ½ cup (118.3 ml) of baking soda with 1 ½ cups (354.8 ml) of water.
You may also add ¼ cup (59.15 ml) of white vinegar to the solution. If you do, the vinegar will react with the baking soda, making the solution fizz. Wait until the solution stops fizzing before pouring it into the bladder.
2 Pour the solution into the bladder. Then shake it for 30 seconds. Let the solution set for five minutes.
If you added vinegar, open the main valve (away from your face) to let any built-up pressure escape.
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3 Lift the bladder above your head and squeeze the bite valve. This will allow the solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. Lay the bladder on its back and let the solution set for 30 minutes. Pour the solution out after 30 minutes.[1]XResearch source
Make sure the hose is facing away from your face when squeezing the bite valve.
4 Scrub the bladder and tube with brushes. Use a scrub brush or a sponge to clean the bladder. For the tube, use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush. Scrub away baking soda and other residue from the bladder and tube.[2]XResearch source
You can buy scrub brushes from your local hardware store, or you can purchase the Camelback Cleaning Kit which includes brushes.
5 Rinse the bladder with a soapy solution. Mix 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) of mild soap with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. Pour the soap solution into the bladder and shake it for 30 seconds. Pinch the bite valve to let the solution flow into the tube. Pour out the solution.[3]XResearch source
6 Rinse the bladder with warm water. Thoroughly rinse the bladder until all traces of soap and the cleaning solution are gone. Drain as much water from the bladder as you can. This will make it easier to dry.[4]XResearch source
7 Disassemble the parts and air dry. Place the bladder and its parts upside down on a rack in your bathroom or kitchen. Or you can place it outside to dry, but do not place it in the sun.
Use a cotton swab or another object to prop the bladder open so it can dry completely.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Using Hydraulic Cleaning Tablets
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1 Fill the bladder with hot water. Place one cleaning tablet into the bladder. Close the cap. Lay the bladder on its back and let the tablet dissolve for five minutes. Once the tablet has dissolved, shake the bladder for 30 to 40 seconds in order to diffuse the cleaning solution.[5]XResearch source
You can purchase hydraulic cleaning tablets online.
Alternatively, you can use denture tablets instead of the hydraulic cleaning tablets.
2 Pinch the bite valve. Pinching the bite valve will allow the cleaning solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. Once the solution is in the tube and mouthpiece, let it set for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, poor the solution out.[6]XResearch source
3 Create a soap and water solution. Mix 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) of a mild soap with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. Pour the soapy solution into the bladder. Pinch the bite valve again to allow the soapy solution to travel into the tube and mouthpiece.[7]XResearch source
Shake the bladder for 30 seconds and then pour out the solution.
4 Remove the hose. Use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush to scrub the inside of the hose. Then use a bigger scrub brush or sponge to clean the inside of the bladder.[8]XResearch source
Scrub both the tube and bladder until any and all residue is gone.
5 Rinse the parts with warm water. Rinse until all the soap is completely removed; you may need to rinse it two to three times. Then take the disassembled parts to a well-ventilated area, like an outside patio or the bathroom, to air dry.[9]XResearch source
You may need to insert a wand-like object into the bladder’s entrance to keep it propped open so it can dry thoroughly.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Disinfecting a Camelbak Bladder
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1 Fill the bladder with warm water. Then pour in ½ teaspoon (2.46 ml) of bleach. Squeeze the bite valve to allow the solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece.
2 Shake the bladder for 20 seconds. Then let the solution set for 30 minutes. If the mold infestation is bad, then you may want to let it set for longer, like an hour or even overnight (24 hours). Pour the solution out once it has finished setting.
3 Scrub the bladder out. Use a scrub brush to rid the bladder of mold and mold stains. Then remove the tube and use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush to clean the tube.
The bladder may still have some mold stains after cleaning and scrubbing it. This is normal and the bladder should still be safe to use as long as you have cleaned it thoroughly.
4 Rinse the bladder with warm water. Rinse the bladder at least five times to remove any traces of bleach. Make sure to rinse the tube and mouthpiece as well.
5 Air dry the bladder in a well-ventilated area. Make sure to prop open the bladder so it can dry thoroughly. Roll up some paper towels into a ball or use a cotton swab to keep it propped open.
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Community Q&A
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Question What is a Camelbak Bladder? Community Answer Camelback is the name of the brand, but bladders are simply malleable rubber containers that hold water for you. Typically (and most certainly with Camelback) the bladder has a tube connected to it so you can access the water via the tube through a backpack the bladder is contained in. They are good for camping, as they go back down to an easily-packed size when empty. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question I used the bleach method and rinsed over and over, but the water now has a bleachy taste. Will it be harmful or cause stomach upset? Anything else I can do to get it clean? DJSquirrel Mibs Community Answer I would use a less harmful product like bromine tablets, but you will never get rid of the taste altogether. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
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Tips
Store the bladder in the freezer in between uses to avoid mold and mildew growth. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Deep clean the bladder after every three to four uses. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Baking soda
White vinegar
Mild soap
Hydraulic cleaning tablets
Bleach
Round scrub brush
Pipe cleaner scrub brush
Sponge
Cotton swabs
Paper towels
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Reviewed by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 82,196 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9Updated: October 13, 2025 Views: 82,196 Categories: Cleaning Sports GearArticle SummaryX
To clean a Camelbak bladder, mix 1/4 of a cup of baking soda and 3/4 of a cup of warm water per each liter of volume in the bladder. Pour the mixture into the bladder, shake it for 30 seconds, and let the mixture sit in the bladder for 5 minutes. Then, hold the Camelbak over your head and squeeze the bite valve into the sink to empty the bladder. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove baking soda residue from the bladder and tube, and then rinse the bladder with soapy water. Disassemble the pack to let it air dry. For more tips, including how to disinfect your Camelbak bladder, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reviewed by: Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann House Cleaning Professionals This article was reviewed by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 82,196 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: October 13, 2025 Views: 82,196 Categories: Cleaning Sports Gear Article SummaryX
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1 Mix ¼ cup (59.15 ml) of baking soda with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. The water needs to be hot, but not boiling, as this can damage the bladder. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined. 
2 Pour the solution into the bladder. Then shake it for 30 seconds. Let the solution set for five minutes. 
3 Lift the bladder above your head and squeeze the bite valve. This will allow the solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. Lay the bladder on its back and let the solution set for 30 minutes. Pour the solution out after 30 minutes.[1] 
4 Scrub the bladder and tube with brushes. Use a scrub brush or a sponge to clean the bladder. For the tube, use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush. Scrub away baking soda and other residue from the bladder and tube.[2] 
5 Rinse the bladder with a soapy solution. Mix 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) of mild soap with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. Pour the soap solution into the bladder and shake it for 30 seconds. Pinch the bite valve to let the solution flow into the tube. Pour out the solution.[3] 
6 Rinse the bladder with warm water. Thoroughly rinse the bladder until all traces of soap and the cleaning solution are gone. Drain as much water from the bladder as you can. This will make it easier to dry.[4] 
7 Disassemble the parts and air dry. Place the bladder and its parts upside down on a rack in your bathroom or kitchen. Or you can place it outside to dry, but do not place it in the sun. 
1 Fill the bladder with hot water. Place one cleaning tablet into the bladder. Close the cap. Lay the bladder on its back and let the tablet dissolve for five minutes. Once the tablet has dissolved, shake the bladder for 30 to 40 seconds in order to diffuse the cleaning solution.[5] 
2 Pinch the bite valve. Pinching the bite valve will allow the cleaning solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. Once the solution is in the tube and mouthpiece, let it set for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, poor the solution out.[6] 
3 Create a soap and water solution. Mix 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) of a mild soap with ¾ cup (177 ml) of water per liter volume. Pour the soapy solution into the bladder. Pinch the bite valve again to allow the soapy solution to travel into the tube and mouthpiece.[7] 
4 Remove the hose. Use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush to scrub the inside of the hose. Then use a bigger scrub brush or sponge to clean the inside of the bladder.[8] 
5 Rinse the parts with warm water. Rinse until all the soap is completely removed; you may need to rinse it two to three times. Then take the disassembled parts to a well-ventilated area, like an outside patio or the bathroom, to air dry.[9] 
1 Fill the bladder with warm water. Then pour in ½ teaspoon (2.46 ml) of bleach. Squeeze the bite valve to allow the solution to flow into the tube and mouthpiece. 
2 Shake the bladder for 20 seconds. Then let the solution set for 30 minutes. If the mold infestation is bad, then you may want to let it set for longer, like an hour or even overnight (24 hours). Pour the solution out once it has finished setting. 
3 Scrub the bladder out. Use a scrub brush to rid the bladder of mold and mold stains. Then remove the tube and use a pipe cleaner-like scrub brush to clean the tube. 
4 Rinse the bladder with warm water. Rinse the bladder at least five times to remove any traces of bleach. Make sure to rinse the tube and mouthpiece as well. 
5 Air dry the bladder in a well-ventilated area. Make sure to prop open the bladder so it can dry thoroughly. Roll up some paper towels into a ball or use a cotton swab to keep it propped open. Advertisement 
Community Answer Camelback is the name of the brand, but bladders are simply malleable rubber containers that hold water for you. Typically (and most certainly with Camelback) the bladder has a tube connected to it so you can access the water via the tube through a backpack the bladder is contained in. They are good for camping, as they go back down to an easily-packed size when empty. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4 
DJSquirrel Mibs Community Answer I would use a less harmful product like bromine tablets, but you will never get rid of the taste altogether. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5 
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