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Cleaning your Camelbak

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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
Yesterday I noticed there was some mold in the hose of my bladder - which is not detachable. I googled how to clean it, and it seems the common answer is bleach or to purchase their cleaning kit. I feel like bleach would be my last resort since its well, toxic. Other choices were vinegar, which I tried last night and got no where. At least the vinegar smell/taste didn't linger. Other ideas were flavorless denture tabs, and just hot soapy water. Has anyone had success with any other methods?
Jun 5 2011 9:03AM
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.frenchy
Posts: 18221 - Karma: 12,319

I've used the vinegar method before, it works well.

hiking=<3

Jun 5 2011 9:11AM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
Did you use plain vinegar or mix with water?

hiking = ♥
Jun 5 2011 9:16AM
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.frenchy
Posts: 18221 - Karma: 12,319
lol I just used plain vinegar. You could use lemon juice too I heard! But i don't know too much bout that
Jun 5 2011 9:24AM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
Vinegar works for me, just rinse that thing out a ton and you should be good to go.
Jun 5 2011 10:08AM
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2_fadez
Posts: 7780 - Karma: 4,183
what i learned to use was denture claning solution. fill your entire camelbak with water then dissolve a couple denture cleaning tablets in it, and let the bag hang for a day. flush it out completely after and it should be good :)
Jun 5 2011 10:11AM
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Hoppy
Posts: 685 - Karma: 95
I use Bi-carb of soda. Suck it through the hose, but dont swallow it.
Jun 5 2011 3:56PM
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AWALLRUS.
Posts: 5762 - Karma: 223
eww
Jun 5 2011 3:57PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
That's baking soda right?
Jun 5 2011 4:00PM
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Jonny7
Posts: 3309 - Karma: 76
same reaction haha
Jun 5 2011 4:00PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7815 - Karma: 1,529
It's been so long since I last used a Camelbak that I forgot how much of a pain in the ass they are.
Jun 5 2011 4:04PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
What I do, is fill the camelbak with water and just a cap full of bleach, including letting it down the hose. Let it sit for an hour or so.

Then I dump that out, fill it up again, and drop in a denture tablet. This gets that bleach taste a bit, and leaves it a bit better tasting as well as another cleaning.

Lastly, I'll fill it up and pour in some lemon juice. This is just to leave a better taste in the pack.

But, you said that you've got some mold growth. I really think that buying the cleaning kit with the long tube cleaner might be worth it.
Jun 5 2011 4:07PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
True.

I ended up getting frustrated and it turns out that the mouth piece was removable - I unwired a coat hanger and duct taped a piece of paper towel on the end with soap, and cleaned it all out. Was able to do the mouthpiece too. Its now clean and hanging to dry.
Jun 5 2011 4:35PM
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LAME.
Posts: 5795 - Karma: 2,449
Lol, i always keep mine %100 full in my basement and its never gotten any residue from this.
Jun 5 2011 4:36PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
I never thought about that until I saw the grossness, I assume its wise to keep water in it all the time? I wonder if keeping it stored in the fridge is a good idea as well. I should google this.
Jun 5 2011 4:37PM
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chuck_testa
Posts: 1469 - Karma: 52
whenever I get mold I buy I new one. The new bladders for camelbacks are supposed to prevent mold from getting in the hose.
Jun 5 2011 4:40PM
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jblaski
Posts: 5566 - Karma: 1,078
Storing it in the freezer will guarantee that nothing will grow in it. Just remember, after you pull it out, let it unthaw for a bit. You could crack the plastic if you start throwing it around right away.

And if you have the room, you can store it with a little water in it, so you'll have some nice ice water for you adventure.
Jun 5 2011 4:42PM
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