{"id":11097,"date":"2023-09-19T13:08:24","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T03:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=11097"},"modified":"2023-09-19T13:08:26","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T03:38:26","slug":"how-to-clean-your-water-bottles-and-bladders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/how-to-clean-your-water-bottles-and-bladders\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Your Bottles and Bladders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Be it a brand new bottle leaving that tainted flavour on your tongue, or you\u2019d simply like to know how to clean, store, and maintain your hydration vessel of choice \u2013 I\u2019m here to run the tap on the tips and tricks to keep your bottle or bladder reservoir fresh and ready for use.<\/p>\n

A new bottle or bladder can sometimes have a plastic taste or odour \u2013 which is perfectly normal\u00a0and will often disappear after the first few uses. However, if you\u2019d like to eliminate that bad taste or odour straight away, there are a few household items you can use to help speed up that process.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Let’s run the tap on the tips and tricks to keep your bottle or bladder reservoir fresh and ready for use. Image: Grayl<\/em><\/p>\n

Removing Flavour and Odour in Your Bottle or Bladder<\/u><\/h2>\n
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  1. \n

    Scrub<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Start by scrubbing your new water bottle or reservoir with warm water and detergent, then wiping it dry.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Soak<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Fill your bottle or bladder with hot water and add a few teaspoons of either vinegar or baking\/bi-carbonate soda. Mix it through and allow to soak overnight.<\/p>\n

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      1. \n

        Repeat<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        In the morning, empty your reservoir and give it another good clean with warm soapy water. You should be good to go!<\/p>\n

        \"A<\/h2>\n

        Give your bottle another good clean in the morning, and it should be good to go! Image: Nalgene<\/em><\/p>\n

        \"Adding<\/h2>\n

        Vinegar and baking soda are a fantastic\u00a0combination when it comes to bacteria, or unpleasant smells and flavours.<\/em><\/p>\n

        Caring for Your Water Bottle<\/u><\/h2>\n
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        1. \n

          Rinse \u2013 Every Time!<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The best way to maintain any bottle or bladder is to rinse it out with warm water after every use, and allow it to air-dry completely.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n

            Scrub<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            On a frequent basis, you should look to undertake a more thorough clean using a brush, hot water, and detergent. Give your bottle or bladder a good scrub including the inside, outside, and all fittings and attachments. Scrubbing is the important part, as it\u2019ll physically remove any visible or invisible bacteria.<\/p>\n

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            1. \n

              Leave Open When Not in Use<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Most odour and taste problems occur when bottles are stored in wet areas or kept sealed for long periods of time with liquid inside. This allows bacteria to develop \u2013 so try to drain and air out your bottle after each use.<\/p>\n

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              1. \n

                Check the Cleaning Instructions<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Some bottles can also be placed in dishwashers, which\u00a0makes\u00a0caring for them a little more convenient. Bladders and\u00a0reservoirs, however, should be kept out of the dishwasher to prevent damage.<\/p>\n

                \"A<\/p>\n

                Give your bottle or bladder a good scrub including the inside, outside, and all fittings and attachments. Image: Salomon<\/em><\/p>\n

                \"Cleaning<\/p>\n

                There are so many household items that you can use to de-funk your dirty bottle or bladder.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

                Cleaning a Dirty Bottle or Hydration Reservoir<\/u><\/h2>\n

                If your water reservoir develops a funky taste or odour, or if you just want to give it an exceptional clean, there are a range of methods you can try.<\/p>\n

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                1. \n

                  Hot Water & Detergent<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Wash the bottle or bladder using a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent. The bottle brush physically removes the funk from the water bottle with a scrubbing action. Ensure you rinse it well after cleaning, then allow it to air-dry.<\/p>\n

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                  1. \n

                    Baking\/Bi-Carbonate Soda<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Add a few heaped teaspoons of baking or bi-carb soda into the bottle or bladder and fill with hot water, before allowing it to soak for a few hours. After the soak, wash vigorously with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent. Rinse, and allow to air-dry.<\/p>\n

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                    1. \n

                      Vinegar<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Fill with hot water, add a few teaspoons of regular white vinegar, and allow to soak overnight. If you\u2019ve used baking soda previously, make sure this has been removed \u2013 otherwise, you\u2019ll have a DIY volcano explosion on your hands! In the morning, wash out the vinegar with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent, then rinse and allow to air-dry. The bottle will have a slight vinegar odour for the first few minutes \u2013 this will quickly\u00a0dissipate,\u00a0and the water bottle should smell fresh and clean.<\/p>\n

                      \"A<\/p>\n

                      For an exceptional clean, there are a range of methods you can try. Image: Grayl<\/em><\/p>\n

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                      1. \n

                        Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Place 2-3 capfuls of anti-bacterial mouthwash per litre of bottle or bladder capacity, and shake for 5 minutes. Empty the bottle or bladder, and wash with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent before rinsing and allowing to air-dry.<\/p>\n

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                        1. \n

                          HydraPak Bottle Bright Tablets<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          These tablets<\/a><\/u> are really easy to use. First, wash the bottle with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent, then rinse. Fill a bottle or bladder with water, and add a cleaning tablet. Shake until dissolved, then let it stand for 5 minutes. Lastly, empty and rinse with clean water.<\/p>\n

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                          1. \n

                            Cleaning Kits<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Many hydration brands provide\u00a0cleaning kits,\u00a0which come with\u00a0precise tools\u00a0to reach into all the nooks and crannies household brushes can\u2019t.<\/p>\n

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                            1. \n

                              Freeze It!<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              If you\u2019re still not satisfied with your cleaning job, pop your bottle or bladder into the freezer to kill off any remaining bacteria.<\/p>\n

                              \"A<\/p>\n

                              Now that you\u2019ve done all the hard work in cleaning it, how do you keep your reservoir this clean? Image: Salomon<\/em><\/p>\n

                              \"Drying<\/h2>\n

                              Don’t negate all that elbow grease! Take the extra steps to prevent mould and bacteria.<\/em><\/p>\n

                              Storing Your Bottle or Bladder<\/u><\/h2>\n

                              Now that you\u2019ve done all the hard work removing the gunk and taste from your portable hydration station, how do you keep<\/em> it that clean?<\/p>\n

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                              1. \n

                                Drain the Water<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                Store your bottle or bladder dry, and avoid leaving water in them for extended periods of time. No matter what cleaning method you adopt, you should always give your bottle a thorough rinse with clean, warm water as soon as you finish. Then, allow it to air-dry completely.<\/p>\n

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                                1. \n

                                  Use a Rack for Drying<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  Air-drying in a well-ventilated area is the most hygienic way to ensure that your bottle or bladder doesn\u2019t develop bacteria, odours, and\/or mould. Use racks for bottles, or hooks for bladders so you can dry them upside down. Once you are sure that your bottle or bladder is 100% dry, seal it with the lid and pack it down, before storing it in a dry environment.<\/p>\n

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                                  1. \n

                                    Remove Any Air<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                    Take extra care with bladders and flexible\/collapsible bottles to ensure that no pockets are air-locked with water. You can prevent this by shaking, separating, or\u00a0using\u00a0a brace such as the Camelback\u00a0Reservoir Dryer<\/a>\u00a0throughout the drying process.<\/p>\n

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                                    1. \n

                                      Keep in the Freezer<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                      If you want to next-level with your bottle or bladder, consider storing it in the freezer. This will not only assist in restricting bacteria development, but also keep it cold for when you next choose to use it.<\/p>\n

                                      \"Nalgene<\/p>\n

                                      Avoid leaving water in your bottle or bladder for extended periods of time. Image: Nalgene<\/em><\/p>\n

                                      Do you have any other methods for keeping your reservoir or bottle sparkling clean?<\/strong><\/p>\n