{"id":3294,"date":"2022-10-13T16:00:27","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T15:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/?p=3294"},"modified":"2025-12-05T08:19:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T08:19:00","slug":"how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\/","title":{"rendered":"How to look after your water bladder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to look after your water bladder<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong>Wondering how to keep your hydration bladder clean, fresh, and free from nasty bacteria?<\/strong> With just a few simple habits, you can easily prevent mould, bad smells, and funky tastes, making every sip on the trail as refreshing as the first.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-oswald-font-family\" id=\"1-is-camping-with-kids-a-nightmare\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">In SHORT&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 256 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M160 64c0-11.8-6.5-22.6-16.9-28.2s-23-5-32.9 1.6l-96 64C-.5 111.2-4.4 131 5.4 145.8s29.7 18.7 44.4 8.9L96 123.8V416H32c-17.7 0-32 14.3-32 32s14.3 32 32 32h96 96c17.7 0 32-14.3 32-32s-14.3-32-32-32H160V64z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-2cbd8fa4-ee8e-4a93-a901-10cd1a3e026d\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 1; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM241 377c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l87-87-87-87c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L345 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 377z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-827552c0-9c19-4a10-ab9c-d3116cded311\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM241 377c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l87-87-87-87c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L345 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 377z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>How do you prevent bacteria in your water bladder?<\/strong> Stick to water-only use and try the easy rinse-and-freeze method for effortless freshness.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM241 377c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l87-87-87-87c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L345 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 377z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-039924a4-7726-422c-b5a8-422a73611abd\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM241 377c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l87-87-87-87c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L345 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 377z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>What\u2019s the quickest way to clean and dry your bladder?<\/strong> Learn how to skip the slow air-drying process and use deep-cleaning tricks for stubborn grime.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM241 377c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l87-87-87-87c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L345 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 377z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-42ea6d2e-0644-4466-8a99-0a3b34e0b10e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM241 377c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l87-87-87-87c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L345 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 377z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>When is it time to replace your bladder?<\/strong> Know the signs that it&#8217;s beyond saving\u2014and the quick fixes that work for minor mould or damage.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:37px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Say Goodbye to Bacterial Growth in Your Water Bladder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we get started I\u2019d like to reassure readers that this blog is not about some nasty urinary tract infection. It is an article on how to&nbsp;look after your water bladder and avoid&nbsp;the all-too-common problem of nasty bacterial growth in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The popularity of hydration bladders has increased hugely; they offer a hands-free way to constantly stay hydrated during your chosen activity.&nbsp; They also have removed the hassle of constantly taking off your pack to access a drinks bottle. But how do you keep that important hydration system clean, fresh and free from nasty bugs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Just use water: hydration bladder maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years I\u2019ve used many different types of hydration bladder for mountain biking, climbing, mountaineering and regular hill walking.&nbsp; I have always managed to keep them clean and fresh by implementing a few simple habits.<br>I mainly just use water in the bladder; this ensures you are not introducing sugars and other additives that bacteria can thrive on.<br>If I need energy supplements for higher-paced activities, I\u2019ll use gel sachets instead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean &amp; freeze method &#8211; Say Goodbye to Air-Drying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers advise that bladders must be air-dried and even supply drying and cleaning kits to make this process easier.<br>Air drying works well, but to be honest, it takes an age I&#8217;m keen to embrace any time saving solutions.<br>So, once I\u2019ve finished my activity, I make sure I thoroughly rinse and drain the bladder, hose and bite valve and then chuck the whole lot in the freezer.<br>Freezing ensures that absolutely no bacteria can grow and keeps the bladder as fresh as a daisy.<br>When I need it again I simply rinse it under the tap and it defrosts immediately.<br>If you simply <em>have<\/em> to have flavoured sports drinks in your bladder then you can still use the freezer method by cleaning the bladder. You can do it by using manufactures cleaning solutions, a sterilising solution or rinsing with plenty of clean water before bunging it in the freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide for Your Hydration Bladder<br><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your hydration bladder clean is key to avoiding bacteria, mould, and bad taste. Here&#8217;s a quick and easy guide to keep it fresh and ready for every adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Daily Cleaning Routine (After Each Use)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick clean after every use will keep your hydration bladder in top condition, especially if you&#8217;re only using water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Empty the Bladder:<\/strong> As soon as you finish your activity, empty any remaining water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rinse Thoroughly:<\/strong> Flush the bladder, hose, and bite valve with clean, warm water to remove any residue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drain Excess Water:<\/strong> Hang the bladder upside down and squeeze the hose and bite valve to remove any trapped water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Store in Freezer:<\/strong> To avoid the hassle of drying, place the clean, rinsed bladder (including the hose and valve) in the freezer. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the bladder fresh for your next use.<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Deep Cleaning (Periodic Thorough Cleaning)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with regular rinsing, a deep clean every few uses will prevent any buildup of bacteria, mould, or bad taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fill with Cleaning Solution:<\/strong> Mix warm water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda or use a hydration bladder cleaning tablet. Pour the solution into the bladder, seal it, and let it sit for 30 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clean the Hose and Bite Valve:<\/strong> Use a specialised brush to clean the inside of the hose and bite valve or soak them in the cleaning solution for the same amount of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scrub the Bladder:<\/strong> Gently scrub the inside of the bladder with a soft brush or sponge to remove any residue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rinse Thoroughly:<\/strong> Rinse the bladder, hose, and valve with clean water multiple times to ensure all the cleaning solution is removed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Air Dry or Freeze:<\/strong> Hang the bladder upside down with the cap open in a well-ventilated area to air dry or use the freezer method for quicker storage.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Emergency Mould Removal (When It&#8217;s Been Left Too Long)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you forgot about your bladder and it&#8217;s starting to develop mould, don&#8217;t panic! Here&#8217;s how to rescue it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mix a Mold-Fighting Solution:<\/strong> Combine hot water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda, lemon juice, or bleach. For a natural solution, use vinegar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fill the Bladder:<\/strong> Pour the mixture into the bladder, and make sure it fills the hose and bite valve as well. Let it sit for an hour to break down mould and bacteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scrub and Soak:<\/strong> Use a brush to scrub the bladder and tube. For stubborn mould, repeat the soaking process or use a cleaning tablet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rinse Very Thoroughly:<\/strong> Rinse several times with clean water to ensure all traces of the cleaning solution are gone.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freeze or Dry:<\/strong> Once clean, store the bladder in the freezer or let it air dry thoroughly to prevent any new mould growth.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Extra Hacks for Hydration Bladder Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Add ice cubes for a double win<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Want cold water and a clean bladder? Add ice cubes after rinsing to keep it cool on the go and help shake away any residue while you hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lemon fresh hack<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Drop a slice of lemon in your bladder during deep cleaning. It naturally fights bacteria and leaves a fresh scent, making your water taste crisp next time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pre-chill for hot days<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Fill your bladder halfway with water and freeze it overnight before your adventure. Top it off in the morning, and you&#8217;ll have cold water for hours\u2014plus, it stays fresh!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use vinegar for a tough odours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Got a stubborn smell? A splash of vinegar mixed with water and left overnight works wonders for banishing funky odours. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep a mini brush handy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Pack a small brush in your gear so you can quickly scrub your hose and bite valve on multi-day hikes. A little maintenance on the trail can save you from tough cleaning later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736324934917\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I use sports drinks in my hydration bladder?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Absolutely, but you&#8217;ll need to give it some extra love afterwards. Sugary drinks can encourage bacteria to grow, so be sure to rinse everything out with warm water and a cleaning solution. Don&#8217;t forget to clean the hose and bite valve, too!<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736324962189\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do I get rid of bad smells in my hydration bladder?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No one likes funky odours! To freshen things up, you can mix water with lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for a few hours, and then give it a good rinse.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736324998446\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I throw my hydration bladder in the dishwasher?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It might be tempting, but hand washing is your best bet. The dishwasher could damage parts of your bladder or not clean it thoroughly. A little manual scrub with warm water gets into all the nooks and crannies.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736324999265\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How often should I clean my water bladder?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A quick rinse after every use is always a good idea, especially if you&#8217;ve had sports drinks in it. Even if it&#8217;s just water, regular cleaning keeps things fresh and bacteria-free.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736325000549\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I put my hydration bladder in the freezer when it&#8217;s half full?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but it&#8217;s better to empty and clean it before freezing. Freezing with water inside is okay for short-term use, but long-term freezing might cause cracks or other damage, especially in the hose and valve.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736325135571\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I repair a hydration bladder if it has a small puncture?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, minor punctures can sometimes be fixed with a repair kit specifically designed for hydration bladders. However, it depends on the location of the puncture. If the damage is near seams or valves, it might be more challenging to fix.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1736325136399\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I use my hydration bladder for hot liquids?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hydration bladders are generally not designed for hot liquids. High temperatures can damage the materials and lead to leaks or deformation. Stick to cool or room-temperature liquids to keep your bladder in top shape.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" class=\"wp-image-13121\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/09\/spacer.jpg\" style=\"max-width:100%\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mouldy Hydration Bladder: Is Time to Replace?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Should the worst happen and due to forgetfulness\/laziness your bladder gets mildly mouldy or discoloured? You can redeem yourself by rinsing the system through with hot water mixed with 2 tablespoons of baking soda or bleach. But ensure it\u2019s thoroughly rinsed before use and then pop it in the freezer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if a damp bladder has been left in the bottom of a cupboard for months and is completely infested with black mould. It is better if you chuck it out and treat yourself to a new one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We stock a wide range of different sizes and brands for you to peruse&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trekitt.co.uk\/hydration-systems\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With our guide, you learned great tips and tricks on how to look after your water bladder.&nbsp;<br>Would you like to check out another blog post about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trekitt.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-filter-water-outdoors\/\"><strong>how to filter and purify water?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to look after your water bladder Wondering how to keep your hydration bladder clean, fresh, and free from nasty bacteria? With just a few simple habits, you can easily prevent mould, bad smells, and funky tastes, making every sip on the trail as refreshing as the first. In SHORT&#8230; Say Goodbye to Bacterial Growth [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":6148,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-full","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trekitt-how-to"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2022\/10\/BLADDER-scaled.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lorna Preston","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/author\/lornapreston\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to look after your water bladder - Trekitt Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to look after your water bladder for outdoor activities. 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Neglect it, though, and you&#039;ll be left with a horrid taste and even mould.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Trekitt Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-10-13T15:00:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-05T08:19:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2022\/10\/BLADDER-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lorna Preston\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lorna Preston\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Lorna Preston\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4f0384b4f08c640d67dd7da5faf872f7\"},\"headline\":\"How to look after your water bladder\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-10-13T15:00:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-05T08:19:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1518,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/18\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/BLADDER-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"How to's\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to look after your water bladder - Trekitt Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.citrus-lime.com\\\/tkt\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/18\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/BLADDER-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-10-13T15:00:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-05T08:19:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to look after your water bladder for outdoor activities. 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A little manual scrub with warm water gets into all the nooks and crannies.<br \/>","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\/#faq-question-1736324999265","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/how-to-look-after-your-water-bladder\/#faq-question-1736324999265","name":"How often should I clean my water bladder?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A quick rinse after every use is always a good idea, especially if you've had sports drinks in it. 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