|
Post by flyinion on Apr 22, 2016 23:47:52 GMT -8
So, after reading a tip to store water bladders in the freezer to keep from having to worry about mold/etc. if they don't fully dry, I did so last time I used it. Now I've pulled it out for use and noticed it has a nice freezer smell to it (bladder was closed up before putting in). Anyone know how to get rid of the smell? The bite valve would be easy, just replace, but the bladder part obviously not. I tried washing the valve in soapy water but no luck.
|
|
|
Post by rwtb123 on Apr 23, 2016 0:51:03 GMT -8
I store my water bladder in the freezer with the lid open and it is as good as new after 3-4 years of use(with just tap water).But,then again my freezer doesn't smell.I store my camelbak bicycle water bottles the same way, but as I often use tea/energy drinks in them I often scrub them with a long handled dish brush and water to keep them clean and smell-free(the valves are slightly tea stained but I can live with that).I do seem to recall camelbak sells some kind of kit to clean bladders though have never needed to try one.
|
|
|
Post by Lonewolf on Apr 23, 2016 3:49:19 GMT -8
From the Camelbak site: "Use hot water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda or bleach. Mix the solution inside your reservoir and hold it up above your head while you pinch the bite valve, allowing the bleached water to run through the tube. You can also use CamelBak Cleaning Tabs. Let the reservoir and cleaning solution sit for about 30 minutes."
Some years ago I picked up one of Camelbak's storage/cleaning sets for mine. It has a bent wire hanger to stick inside the bladder and hang upside down. It also has a brush with a long flexible "rod" to clean the tube.
|
|
texasbb
Trail Wise!
Hates chicken
Posts: 1,223
|
Post by texasbb on Apr 23, 2016 5:50:43 GMT -8
Bladders have lots of annoying problems, all of which are solved by switching to bottles.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2016 6:06:25 GMT -8
Bladders have lots of annoying problems, all of which are solved by switching to bottles. Not arguing that with you. Though, water bottles have lots of annoying problems, all of which are solved by switching to bladders.
|
|
|
Post by flyinion on Apr 23, 2016 8:11:56 GMT -8
Thanks everyone. I've noticed the bladder doesn't really smell all that much, now it just really seems to be the bite valve. At least I can just easily buy a replacement for that. Guess that will teach me not to leave the bite valve on in the freezer.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,677
|
Post by rebeccad on Apr 23, 2016 8:53:33 GMT -8
I just let mine grow stuff on the kitchen counter, and clean it out from time to time
|
|
|
Post by flyinion on Apr 23, 2016 17:03:27 GMT -8
Ok, used it on a day hike today. Uh, yeah, this thing either needs to be de-odorized or it's getting "donated" to Goodwill and I'm going to go with bottles. Water tasted like, well, I won't repeat it here. Currently soaking in hot dishsoapy water in the sink, if that doesn't work I'll try the baking soda and then it's gone. Only the second time I've used it as well.
|
|
almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
Posts: 696
|
Post by almostthere on Apr 23, 2016 18:57:51 GMT -8
I never freeze or clean mine. It just sits in the pack with a little water in it until the next weekend, when I go hiking again. Years pass and this has never caused odor, illness, or anything... I just keep adding water and drinking it. Maybe once a year I bleach out the bite valve.
I am 80% less dehydrated since starting to use hydration bladders. The rest of the way I need to just have more discipline about drinking when I'm a little tired.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,677
|
Post by rebeccad on Apr 23, 2016 20:22:24 GMT -8
Almostthere, I use pretty nearly the same technique, though ours may sit longer so I usually empty them. I also did get one of the long skinny brushes to clean the tubes--they grow stuff, but it never seems to affect taste or health. It's just a matter of looks.
|
|
|
Post by flyinion on Apr 23, 2016 20:58:45 GMT -8
Well, baking soda didn't work either. Thinking it's time to get rid of it and either go to bottles or maybe try out a Platypus "big zip", better reviews from what I saw and the opening at the end might make it easier to dry out. Guess that's the last time I ever store one in the freezer, YUCK.
|
|
|
Post by Lonewolf on Apr 24, 2016 4:27:23 GMT -8
Maybe try rinsing with vinegar first (a mild acid) and then baking soda to neutralize the vinegar? Can't hurt if you're going to toss it anyway.
|
|
dayhiker
Trail Wise!
Posts: 8,432
Member is Online
|
Post by dayhiker on Apr 24, 2016 8:02:41 GMT -8
I think MSR says to use vinegar on their Dromlite bags cant find right now, but did find this
Use hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly with hot water. For tough cleaning jobs, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to 3/4 cup of water per liter and shake for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and wait a moment for the effervescence to subside. Shake 10 seconds and vent by loosening cap away from face. Repeat shaking and venting three times. Expel as much air as possible, cap bottle, and allow to soak 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with hot water. Caution: When adding lemon juice to baking soda, effervescence occurs and will cause pressure to build inside your reservoir. Vent often.
|
|
grace
Trail Wise!
Posts: 276
|
Post by grace on Apr 24, 2016 18:27:48 GMT -8
I'm having good luck with the baking soda. I let it sit for a bit, then give it a good rinse. Air dry in a warm-ish place. In my water bottles, it's a denture tab.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,923
|
Post by BigLoad on Apr 24, 2016 18:56:47 GMT -8
I used to use denture tabs now and then, but I overdid it once and it imparted a flavor that lasted for years. Vinegar works really well in moderation, especially if followed up with baking soda.
Platypus seems less prone to picking up flavors than Camelbak, but I won't put anything in the freezer for more than an hour or two.
|
|