DotWatcher.cc
Introduction
Taking good care of our bikepacking equipment is essential to keep it from failing when we’re on the road and need it most. We check our bolts, refresh our tyre sealant, lube our chains, and clean our frame bags so they’re picture perfect before the next adventure. It’s the items that we can’t see in a photo that can be neglected, and when it comes to hydration bladders, the risk of them harboring bacteria is high and consequential.
We have compiled a list of cleaning methods that should offer at least one solution that you can get up and do right now, without going to the shops. All these methods have been tested using a 3litre Apidura Frame Pack Bladder but the quantities of ingredients listed are roughly correct for 1litre of water.
Hydration bladders and hoses can be stored in a freezer to help prevent the development of mold and mildew when not in regular use, but make sure to thoroughly clean them prior to the freezer. This is a preventative measure that only works if the bladder is clean!
Please note: Before all methods it is advised to scrub inside the bladder with warm water and a brush or kitchen sponge.
Household Solution #1: Lemon & Baking Soda
By mixing lemon juice and baking soda, you are creating sodium citrate, which is (amongst other things) a food grade cleaning agent. There's a very notable fizzing when doing this solution so make sure you haven't brimmed the bottle/bladder with water!
What you will need:
- 30ml lemon juice
- 2tbsp baking soda
- Warm water
- ~8 hours/overnight
What you should do:
- Fill bladder with 30ml of fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp of baking soda and warm water
- Lift the reservoir up, pinch the bite valve until water comes out
- Leave the solution in the bladder overnight
- Drain the solution and rinse the bladder thoroughly before use.
Pros:
- All items are easy to buy from a local shop, if you don’t already have them
Cons:
- Not instant
Household Solution #2: Bleach
Bleach is a powerful and effective disinfectant, and does a really thorough job of killing bacteria. The optional extra of baking soda in this solution is for deodorisation.
What you will need:
- 1tsp of unscented bleach
- Optional: 1tsp baking soda
- Warm water
What you should do:
- Fill bladder with 1tsp of unscented bleach and warm water
- Option to add 1tsp baking soda if available
- Lift the reservoir up, pinch the bite valve until water comes out
- Leave to soak for 30 minutes
- Drain the solution and rinse the bladder thoroughly before use.
Pros:
- Extremely effective cleaning
Cons:
- You can't rush this before a ride, you'll want to rinse thoroughly
Quick Solution #1: Cleaning Tablets
Bottle and bladder cleaning tablets are quick and easy, and are most likely to be an online purchase. There are different versions but the main ingredient is almost exclusively sodium bicarbonate.
What you will need:
- Hydration Bladder Cleaning Tablets
- Warm water
- Less than 1 hour
What you should do:
- Fill the bladder with warm water
- Add a cleaning tablet
- Seal and shake
- Lift the reservoir up, pinch the bite valve until water comes out
- Leave to soak for up to 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
Pros:
- No overnight wait
Cons:
- Tablets can be expensive
- You need to order the tablets online, it’s unlikely you’ll find these in a shop
Quick Solution #2: Denture Cleaning Tablets
Two key ingredients of denture cleaning tablets are citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, making them a pre-made, compact and easily transportable version of the lemon and bicarbonate of soda solution. You can make this method even more effective by adding a tablespoon of bleach to the bladder.
What you will need:
- Denture Cleaning Tablets
- Warm water
- Less than 1 hour
What you should do:
- Fill your bladder with warm water
- Add a couple of tablets
- Optional: Add a tablespoon of bleach
- Lift the reservoir up, pinch the bite valve until water comes out
- Leave to soak for ~45 minutes
- Rinse well
Pros:
- Likely to find in any pharmacy & most supermarkets
- Cost as little as 79p for a tube of 30 tablets
Cons:
- Unless you have dentures, you won’t have these in the cupboard already
Long-Term/Reusable Solution: Cleaning Kits
These kits vary, but generally come with long handle brushes to clean deep into bladders and bottles, and a reservoir hanger that will aid drying. To use, with soap and warm water (or a drop of bleach) brush the bladder internally, both cleaning and reactivating the antimicrobial coating, then hang to dry.