How to Clean a Hydration Bladder | How I Dry My HydraPak and Osprey Bladders

Moldy hoses are the worst! They are easier to clean and store than you think. I found myself replacing hose after hose until I learned how to properly take care of my hydration bladder hose.
Welcome back to VIVSVIBE! Today's Three Minute Thursday I'm showing you how I clean and store my hydration pack bladders. Before they get put away, I make sure they are clean, free of water and stored properly.
This is just one way to do it, but it's the way I've gotten the best results. If you have another method, feel free to share it down below so we can all learn from your wisdom!
Thanks for watching! Enjoy.
Gear Featured in Video:
Wide-Mouth Hydrapak Bladder: amzn.to/32Yq6xo
Large 3 Liter Osprey Bladder: amzn.to/3HwMmxr
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[@mrmaxin53]

i thought ya girl was going to suggest using the sun's heat to dry the tube...was not expecting the spinning lmao

[@justaguy4real]

for other hoses that went moldy on someone else that wasnt privy like you, just have them run a thin rope or some heavier string with some cloth, padding, material, etc, something that will pull and scrub it out as you pull it threw the hose. be sure and thoroughly heat the water and hose for maximum effectiveness and should work like a charm.

[@VIVSVIBE]

I’ll have to try that for some of my old ones. Thanks a bunch!! You’re a genius.

[@VIVSVIBE]

I’ll have to try that for some of my old ones. Thanks a bunch!! You’re a genius.

[@VIVSVIBE]

That’s brilliant!! Thanks for sharing.

[@Ferrari_M5]

Subscribed because of the General Grievous reference!!! Thanks for taking the time to post this too. Just got my first bladder and was wondering about drying and cleaning.

[@VIVSVIBE]

So glad you found this video!! Happy to have you here.

[@Shadow91507]

Thank you! Fun to watch, concise, great tips, thoughtful video organization.

[@ElectricSegwayX260girl]

Great info! I was dying at the Yippee Ki-yay! I actually do the same thing with the hose but from now on I will definitely add the Yippee, sounds like more fun! 😂

[@VIVSVIBE]

Haha! Yes, that part is essential

[@bartjes2509]

Thanks for this easy and quick fix, now I can use it another time

[@tayter_chip]

Thanks for this video! I just got my first hydration bladder and wasn’t sure how to properly dry it. Super helpful, thanks again!

[@VIVSVIBE]

Glad I could help some.

[@westsenkovec]

Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat level.

[@BiBiNgai]

Stuff ur bladder bag in the freezer. No need to dry at all

[@witarzan]

​@@BiBiNgai do you put the whole thing in there? Bladder and the tube?

[@BiBiNgai]

​@@witarzan Ya i stuff the bladder n the tube (all parts) in a ziploc bag and then into the freezer. It keeps it mold free.

[@OrdMandrell1]

Came across this vid by accident. Loved it. Super helpful. Keep swinging them hoses.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Haha!! Will do

[@neil6961]

First time user and this helped. Thanks!

[@Krilin84]

new to running, this is actually really helpful, thanks!

[@VIVSVIBE]

Oh wonderful! So happy it can help

[@pandanitas3312]

Nice, I have never seen/tried that before. Thanks for the handy hint

[@VIVSVIBE]

You bet! I’ve yet to have a moldy hose with this method.

[@derekp6636]

Thanks, was looking for tips on keeping my new bladder mold free!

[@girlcooksworld5739]

Thank you for the info. I wasn't sure how to dry my camelback tube but now I know.

[@heikomeyer1254]

Hey thx, I use it in my deployment! Now I can dry it! Lifehack!!!

[@throsbychurch5179]

Someone else suggested scrunched-up paper towel keeping the bladder separated while not in use, but I think that would have a limited life span because moisture might get into the paper towel, and also there is no airflow in the bladder because the paper towel is blocking it. I do like your idea of giving the hose a whirl outside. I also leave my hose hanging to dry. I wouldn't use a towel, it seems a bit unhygenic.

[@BrunoMosor]

Hi! Here's something that I do to prevent mold growth: I empty the bladder and the hose (no need to do it thoroughly). Then I just put everything in the freezer. The cold prevents the growth of mold and bacteria. No mold, and almost no effort. Before you use it again, just carefully take it out of the freezer, without bending anything, and give it about 10-15 minutes to thaw out. Rinse it with baking soda and warm water periodically to remove any smells. Diluted lemon juice also helps a lot to make it smell nice.

[@VIVSVIBE]

That’s brilliant!! Thanks for sharing.

[@strykeplaysmcjohnpickhypix1205]

Does it kill mold or just freeze it

[@BrunoMosor]

@@strykeplaysmcjohnpickhypix1205 Nope, mold spores can't be killed by freezing. Instead, they become inactive

[@strykeplaysmcjohnpickhypix1205]

Bruno Kuštre won’t freezing it just slow mold growth rather than stop it?

[@BrunoMosor]

@@strykeplaysmcjohnpickhypix1205 Well I'm no expert, I just did some googling and found that most molds are opportunistic and are waiting for the right conditions to grow. Freezer temperatures (that is, below 18 degrees science) are not really the right conditions. In any case, I've been using this method for a couple of years now and it's been effective. I guess if you'd want to completely stop the mold from growing (not kill it, though), you could put silica gel inside the bladder to completely remove moisture. My logic being, mold loves moisture... I'd also hazard a guess that you wouldn't want to put mold killing chemicals inside your hydration bladder

[@trishthorne9044]

Genius! Thank you 👍

[@paulwalstrom4830]

Wow, I had no idea you could disassemble and reassemble the bite valve on one of these hoses! I always prop open the bladder with a clothespin or bag clip and hang it upside down for several hours to allow it to dry thoroughly, but I've been clueless about keeping the hose/straw clean. Thank you, very helpful!

[@VIVSVIBE]

You’re so very welcome!! Happy to help!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Yipee ki yay, love it, i want to go & dry a bladder out now 😂

[@VIVSVIBE]

I have fun doing boring things! Haha

[@TheFrog767]

A very nice job 👏👏🍻

[@davidrouse2612]

OMG, I stumbled across your video via a related search. You are freaking hilarious "look I'm like general grievous" 🤣

[@VIVSVIBE]

I’m so glad you think so! So happy you found my channel.

[@rockinjuliescott]

Love this! Thank you!

[@VIVSVIBE]

You bet!!

[@AbbeyRPhotography]

You made me crack up lol!!!! Your hilarious!! Thanks for the info and fun video!!

[@VIVSVIBE]

So glad to hear it! Thanks for watching

[@throsbychurch5179]

I hang my bladder upside down for a couple of days in a warm place so it dries quicker. I pinch the back out and hold it with a laundry peg to help separate the internals - make sure the laundry peg is loosely sprung so it doesn't put a permanent crease in the blader. After inspecting its moisture content inside I use a hairdryer to blow warm air into the bladder to assist in ensuring it is drying out properly. With a new bag I got recently for a family member I went through my usual procedures but noticed water pooled in the internal edges. so I stuffed some scrunched-up paper towel in it and pushed it into the edges with a chopstick to soak up the moisture. I then used the hairdryer again. You could probably make a funnel from tape and paper and attach it to the hose to blow warm air down the tube. I would use a low-speed warm or cool heat setting otherwise you could overheat the hairdryer. Keep in mind the expelled air needs somewhere to go and so it would likely circulate back to the hairdryer and cause problems if it is blowing fast and hot. I do like the idea of the hose stored in the bag to create airflow - thanks.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Wow! You’re a very thorough bladder caretaker. The hair dryer seems like a good idea. I don’t have have one but I’m happy it works for you.

[@dragan3290]

Awesome! Cheers from Australia just subbed.nice work!👍👍👍

[@VIVSVIBE]

Cheers!!

[@dragan3290]

@@VIVSVIBE that was quick! Thanks

[@nikko9525]

Thank you very much. Good technic to clean 😊

[@VIVSVIBE]

It’s worked well for me this far!

[@flolacrosse2895]

Very helpful! Thanks :)

[@VIVSVIBE]

You bet!

[@W8DEY]

Good tips thank you!

[@nathanhennig5884]

Thanks for the tips.

[@VIVSVIBE]

You bet!

[@AishawithanEye]

I'm digging the spinning hose trick. The other I learned to try is to put the bladder and hose in the freezer afterwards.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Brilliant!

[@jesseobrien5864]

Life saver 🙌

[@davidnjuguna9477]

@1:45 When you started whipping it around I legit thought you would lift-off the ground like a heli

[@maxspies8908]

1:48 🤪👌🏼👌🏼 i laughed so hard haha. i will never forget how to do this. thanks!😘

[@VIVSVIBE]

I’m glad I could make something burning funny and memorable for you!

[@VIVSVIBE]

Boring*

[@jameslollis2727]

Hair dryers kick ass!

[@timchard]

Yo! great video. YIPEEE KAYYAAAAAAY

[@TheMatuos]

Little advice about Hydrapak, you can easily pull out the bite silicone part for better dry out.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Yes!! They’ve done a good job designing it to maximize the dry out process.

[@mikoahenakew7497]

Inspired by gun cleaning, i made a pull through made of a sewing needle, floss, and paracord to clean my straw

[@VIVSVIBE]

Brilliant!!

[@TheRealKizzle]

recently picked up from someone to store them in the freezer. it’s a nice little lifehack

[@VIVSVIBE]

It seems that works super well for many people.

[@TheRealKizzle]

@@VIVSVIBE btw, love your videos. stumbled onto your channel through your leadville coverage which was fantastic! thanks for sharing

[@VIVSVIBE]

Oh yay! I’m happy to have you here. 😁

[@shaftoe]

I use a potato masher inside the bladder to spread it apart and it dries pretty well using one of those.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Not a bad idea!

[@germanserrato3221]

Thank you.❤

[@AstylerOne]

Genius!

[@z33tec]

Thumbs up for sick General Grievous reference.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Muwahahaha!! I love Star Wars

[@rlmross]

Thanks

[@Tavpanda]

I subscribed strictly off the yipeekayaayeee 😂

[@VIVSVIBE]

It’s underused these days!

[@shogun678]

Air compressor

[@JoshMcGehee]

Genius

[@osxuser72]

Someone suggested I store it in the freezer to prevent mold and microbes.

[@JoshLange3D]

How long does it take to start the mold growth? I just filled my new one up to use tomorrow or later in the week. Am I prepping to soon?

[@VIVSVIBE]

You should be a-okay. I’ve done that plenty of times and had no problem. It’s more of when you forget it for a month or a few weeks.

[@daniel1627]

1:45 WTF 😂😂 Thanks!

[@Kelly_Ben]

Moldy nastiness is exactly why I don't use bladders, but my hydration is tough to stay on top of. Maybe I'll try this!

[@VIVSVIBE]

Not using them is one way to not have to deal with them😂😂

[@davesportelli1777]

Once you get mould in the straw is that it? I am using the special camel pack tablets and was thinking maybe I have use a special brush. Or is there a better way to do it without the brush?

[@VIVSVIBE]

You can also order replacement straws if it's too far gone. Try taking off the straw and putting it in water with a denture tablet and some times that'll clear everything out.

[@davesportelli1777]

@@VIVSVIBE Thank you 🙏! Yeah after watching a few videos, I bought the cleaning kit with brushes. I bought the over priced camel 🐪 bak tabs but that’s an awesome idea I’ll buy the cheaper denture tabs. Thanks for that idea. I’ll try clean otherwise yeah I might have to buy a new straw, thanks for that idea too 🙂

[@kandimegahan7844]

The cleaning instruction video for hydrapak says that you can actually turn the bladder inside-out to wash and dry, negating the need to stuff the hose in for air to circulate. Any experience with that? Has that been an issue?

[@VIVSVIBE]

That’s a viable option with the wide mouth bladders for sure. It just takes longer and if you’re doing it a bunch can weaken the plastic in certain places.

[@GokuRunner]

Yehaw with that tube. I'm afraid to look at what my hydration bladder and tubes look like...

[@johnsykes9047]

We’re they bad

[@talitha929]

...I had no idea you could take out the center of the bite valve....wow

[@VIVSVIBE]

Yes ma’am! Pretty nifty.

[@AAA9MOUSES]

Από Ελλάδα χαιρετισμούς . Καλός και πρωτότυπος τρόπος καθαρισμού του ασκού νερού , καλό θα ήταν μετά απο κάθε δραστηριότητά μας να ελέγχουμε τον εξοπλισμό μας και να τον συντηρούμε . Εγώ βάζω τρία ποτήρια κρύο νερό αφού πρώτα το έχω βράσει και μία κουταλιά της σούπας σόδα μαζί με δύο κουταλιές της σούπας ξύδι απο σταφύλια ( το οποίο σκοτώνει τα περισσότερα βακτηρίδια ) , το ανακινώ λίγο και σε λίγο αρχίζει να φουσκώνει , ξεβουλώνω λίγο το βούλωμα του ασκού για να εκτονωθεί για λίγο η πίεση , ξαναβουλώνω και αφήνω να δράσει είκοσι περίπου λεπτά της ώρας . Αργότερα τό νερό το πετάμε και ξεπλένουμε με κρύο καθαρό νερό αφού προηγουμένως το έχουμε βράσει , έτσι το απολυμαίνουμε σε μεγάλο βαθμό . Η MIL TEC έχει ένα σέτ με καθαριστικά για ασκούς και μία ' κρεμάστρα ' για το εσωτερικό τους για να στεγνώνουν . Η SOURSE και η MIL TEC έχουν προϊόντα καθαρισμού σωλήνων για ασκούς . Για τους σωλήνες αφού τους αδειάσουμε από το νερό και τους καθαρίσουμε , κατόπιν περνάμε μέσα τους ξύδι από σταφύλια και ξεπλένουμε με κρύο νερό πού το έχουμε πρίν βράσει . Τό ίδιο και για τα επιστόμια ή τις ' πιπίλες ' των σωλήνων . Γενικά το γνήσιο ξύδι από σταφύλια έχει άπειρες εφαρμογές , είναι καθαριστικό για τα άλατα στο μπάνιο μαζί με υγρό απορρυπαντικό κουζίνας , μία κουταλιά ξύδι μπορεί να προλάβει τυχόν δηλητηρίαση , στην αρχή όμως και εφ όσον έχουμε κάποια πονάκια στην κοιλιά . Καθαρίζουμε τραύματα και μετά βάζουμε λάδι ή μέλι ( αυτό για περιπτώσεις επιβίωσης ή bushcraft ) , απολυμαντικό , μαζί με νερό 1/4 με ένα σφουγγαράκι περνάτε τις επιφάνειες τις κουζίνας σας κ.λ.π. ! .

[@trtamrta3093]

I just empty bladder and put it in the freezer and no problemo!

[@VIVSVIBE]

I’ve heard the freeze method works well. I’ve got not space in there but I’ll have to try it sometime.

[@simonebraglia908]

Hi, do you prefer Osprey or hydrapack bladder?

[@VIVSVIBE]

Hydra pack bc my Osprey has a screw on top that leaks unless it’s perfectly on there. The hydra pack is wayyyyyy easier and faster!

[@burchds84]

Storing the bladder and hose in the freezer also keeps mold from growing.

[@VIVSVIBE]

Yes that’s what I’ve heard. Brilliant!

[@j.christiansonsr.7285]

All my packs and bottles go into the freezer.

[@rainpyramid8021]

I came here cause lollapalooza festival is coming up after 2 years of pandemic. not being able to use my hydration backpack for festivals in 2 years….old water and mold. 😫😖

[@VIVSVIBE]

Oh dear!! You have fun at lollapalooza:)

[@teamextreme86]

How do you get the chemical taste out of you're hydra pak 🤔 I've been trying to clean mine with soap baking soda lemon juice and nothing works

[@VIVSVIBE]

Hmmm. I’ve got nothing on that. Mine hasn’t tasted chemically ever. Perhaps someone else in the comments may have some advice?

[@robertuffman3041]

have you seen anyone put a spout on the bladder? i want to be able to use the water in the bladder to cook with, and not take it our of my pack.

[@VIVSVIBE]

All you’d have to do is put the bladder higher than the hose (turn your pack upside down) and the water will come out quickly for cooking as long as you open the straw nozzle piece.

[@MrTelerockarn]

I just take mine apart. Everything. All connections and let it airdry. And offcourse a god cleaning with brush sometimes. Never had an issue. You can take mist of it apart. Connections, bitevalv etc.

[@AdamAlexanderK]

Just keep it in the freezer, no mold growth

[@George-ht5nq]

Mahdoume

[@jorgecorralruns]

I rinse them off and stick them in the freezer. Easy no mold

[@VIVSVIBE]

It would seem that many people do that! If I had space in my freezer I’d give it a try.

[@yamo450fx5]

Easy store it in the freezer

[@mountainmanmcbeachfront5296]

Empty them out and put them in the freezer

[@cadengriffith1226]

You are really pretty. Also thanks for the tips!

[@VIVSVIBE]

Of course!

[@jscott179]

This video is titled wrong. The whole video is about drying it. How do you CLEAN the bladder? Vinegar, alcohol, soap, etc etc.

[@VIVSVIBE]

I never use any of that in my bladder to clean it. I simply rinse it with water or just drain the existing water. Therefore the video is about drying it properly. If you’re looking to deep clean it, you can try dissolving a tab of denture cleaner in water in the bladder. They also make special bottle cleaner now but it’s more expensive.

[@taphillips75]

I just use a boot dryer 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@VIVSVIBE]

That works too!

[@chrisjessee9789]

🤣

[@Case-qy4xy]

Like every other guy on here, immediate upvote due to her being an attractive woman. Good tips overall also.

[@22ryanoc]

Pro tips!

[@22ryanoc]

I might try an aquirium air pump also. Not because it works better but because I’m addicted to buying stuff.

[@VIVSVIBE]

That’s one idea!