We recommend that you rinse and dry your hydration bladders after every use, and this is a simple and effective way to keep your system in shape. Ultimately, it all comes down to your frequency of use and what you’re putting in your bladder (the bag that holds your water).
If you use a drink mix like Nuun or SkratchLabs, you should rinse after every use. These substances can leave a lingering taste and can also allow for bacteria growth. Make sure to always rinse after using these!
If you’ve filled it with water directly from a stream or lake in the wilderness without treating or filtering it, you’ve could have exposed your hydration bladder to bacteria. In the backcountry, this can be necessary from time-to-time, so just make sure to disinfect when you get home.
Take a look at our article on How do I clean my hydration reservior .
If you use a drink mix like Nuun or SkratchLabs, you should rinse after every use. These substances can leave a lingering taste and can also allow for bacteria growth. Make sure to always rinse after using these!
If you’ve filled it with water directly from a stream or lake in the wilderness without treating or filtering it, you’ve could have exposed your hydration bladder to bacteria. In the backcountry, this can be necessary from time-to-time, so just make sure to disinfect when you get home.
Take a look at our article on How do I clean my hydration reservior .