How do you clean your hydro system?

[wildmanoutdoors]

What are some good ways to clean the hose and bottle?

[troyspinetar]

TAG
Wondering the same thing. I know places like REI sell cleaning kits...but that just extra money

[270Flat]

Soap and warm water. I never put anything but water in my reservoir. I have a water bottle (nalgene) that I can mix my powder Gatorade in when needed. I let it dry in the dish strainer until completely dry. Never store away wet.

[wildmanoutdoors]

They do have kits. There long brushes. I bet you could get em cheaper at a place that sells fish and equipment.

But I need em cleaned quick. Leaving for elk camp tomorrow after work. Can ya soak em in bleach and rinse well I wonder?

If taken care of right away soap and water would be good. 

[Smossy]

Fizz tablets and a tube brush. They're like 2 bucks.

[scoyoc5]

As bad as that one looks...I would buy a new one tbh

[wildmanoutdoors]

As bad as that one looks...I would buy a new one tbh

Luckily there is an rei right by work tomorrow! If my special soak doesn't work. It's looking pretty good though. 

[stevemiller]

I bought the cleaning kit and a box of tablets at walmart just yesterday. 10 bucks for all i think.

[pianoman9701]

Fill it. Add two caps full of bleach. Get the bleachy water down in the drinking tube. Let it sit for a few minutes. Drain and dry with a paper towel using a wooden spoon to get all the way in.

The stuff you get from REI in the packets is basically powdered bleach or bromide.

[Fl0und3rz]

Fill it. Add two caps full of bleach. Get the bleachy water down in the drinking tube. Let it sit for a few minutes. Drain and dry with a paper towel using a wooden spoon to get all the way in.

The stuff you get from REI in the packets is basically powdered bleach or bromide.

This.  I add boiled water to the mix, really hot, but not boiling as you might melt the bladder.  To dry, stick a wisk or something else inside to keep it open.  If you're in a hurry, a hairdryer can speed up the drying.  No need for the cleaning kits.  You can also get the long brushes at home brew supply stores, but a pet shop might be more available.

[dewandgin]

All the above work great and I have used them before. Another one that works great is the denture cleaning tablet (Efferdent or Polydent) work great and work awesome in your thermos.

[pianoman9701]

All the above work great and I have used them before. Another one that works great is the denture cleaning tablet (Efferdent or Polydent) work great and work awesome in your thermos.

Cool tip, thanks.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Lots o great tips! I used the bleach and its soooo clean! Lotsa rinsing to make sure it tastes ok. Thanks everyone!!!!

[elkman54]

baking soda and lemon juice and hot tap water

[Alchase]

Wow, I don't think I have ever cleaned mine?
I just rinse and fill again. 

[JLS]

Yikes, buy a hanger for that thing and let it dry!  Or, you can make one with a heat gun and a plastic hanger.  I have never used a cleaning agent on mine, just rinse well and let it dry.  Take the bite valve off the hose so it can drain and dry too.

[Easy-E]

I've never had to clean a bladder with scud in it. After each trip i disassemble and rinse well with tap water. Then get as much water out as possible and put it in the freezer still disassembled. I've had mine for two years and the freezer trick is the way to go. No mold, no scud, no residue. Done deal.

[rosscrazyelk]

I just use vinegar.  Let it sit a couple days Then rinse it out.  Might have a aftertaste
for a bit but it won't kill ya

[pianoman9701]

Wow, I don't think I have ever cleaned mine?
I just rinse and fill again. 

Does the diarrhea ever bother you or are you used to it by now? 

[Thefisherman83]

I fill mine about 1/3 of the way and store in the freezer when not in use.  Keeps all the nasty stuff from growing, and keeps the water cold for a while. 

[Alchase]

Wow, I don't think I have ever cleaned mine?
I just rinse and fill again. 

Does the diarrhea ever bother you or are you used to it by now? 

Soothes the Monkey butt, LOL

[pianoman9701]

Lol.

[Alchase]

Dang,  you guys scared me into cleaning my hydration systems
Now I will never feel quite the same about sucking water left over from the last hunt, 


LOL

[Bean Counter]

I never clean mine. Never had mildew. I wind up replacing them every 12-18 months l, not because they get mildew, but because they wear out and leak after prolonged, heavy use.

I drain mine after every day on a hunt or every hike. I Only put water in. I have one of those camelback drying hangers. $8 for a piece of plastic is silly but it sure has seen its use. Open up the valve on your hose, blow the water out hard, and let it dry before close and reattach. I do wash the mouthpiece with soap snd water.

[Screaminreelz]

Salt works really well just put in a quarter cup and add hot water. Blow it up with plenty of air usually half full works then shake the crap out of it. As for the tube this can work too but is sometimes hard to work through it. Just make sure it dry before hand otherwise the salt clumps. Long pipe cleaners work good too. My 3 liter came with a bag and tube brush but those are only so good. As long as you dry them really good and store them in a zip lock you shouldn't have much problems.