Maintaining your reservoir or bladder is essential for ensuring fresh-tasting water and prolonging the life of your hydration system. Regular cleaning prevents residue build-up and keeps your gear in top condition. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to clean and maintain your HydraPak reservoir.

Everyday Cleaning

After each use, it's advisable to rinse and dry your reservoir to prevent any residue or odour development. Follow these steps:

1. Wash: Open your reservoir and clean it with mild soap and warm water. Use a bottle brush to scrub all interior surfaces thoroughly.

2. Rinse: Ensure all soap residue is rinsed out completely to prevent any aftertaste.

3. Dry: Hang the reservoir upside down to drip dry completely. Proper drying prevents mould and mildew growth.

Deep Cleaning

For frequent users or after storing your reservoir for an extended period, a deep clean is beneficial. HydraPak reservoirs are designed to be reversible, making thorough cleaning easier.

1. Reverse the Reservoir: Reach inside and grab the base of the drinking tube port, then pull it back through the top opening, turning the reservoir inside out.

2. Clean: Wash the reversed reservoir with mild soap and warm water, scrubbing all surfaces.

3. Dishwasher Option: Alternatively, place the fully reversed reservoir on the top shelf of your dishwasher for cleaning.

4. Dry: After washing, leave the reservoir in the reversed position to dry completely.

Removing Stubborn Stains and Odors

If you've used your reservoir with electrolyte mixes or you're noticing persistent odours, deeper cleaning is necessary. HydraPak offers Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets for this purpose, and they're so easy!

1. Prepare Cleaning Solution: Fill the reservoir with warm water and add a Bottle Bright tablet.

2. Soak: Let the solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the stains or smells.

3. Rinse and Dry: After soaking, rinse thoroughly and hang the reservoir to dry completely.

Cleaning Tubes and Bite Valves

It's crucial to clean the drinking tube and bite valve, as they can harbour residue and bacteria. HydraPak's Cleaning Kit is designed to simplify this process.

1. Disconnect: Remove the drink tube from the reservoir.

2. Disassemble Bite Valve: Pull the bite valve off the tube. Separate the silicone sheath from the valve by pushing the post out from the sheath’s opening.

3. Clean Components: Use a small brush and mild soap to clean the silicone sheath and valve post. Alternatively, soak them in warm water with a Bottle Bright tablet.

4. Clean the Tube: Insert the HydraPak tube brush into the tube and scrub thoroughly with mild soap and warm water. Rinse well after cleaning.

5. Dry and Reassemble: After all components are dry, reassemble the bite valve by inserting the post into the on/off valve, then sliding the silicone sheath over the post until aligned.

Recommended Cleaning Products

To make cleaning more efficient, consider using HydraPak's specialized cleaning products:

• Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets: Biodegradable and chlorine-free tablets that dissolve in water to tackle grime, stubborn stains, and smells.

• HydraPak Cleaning Kit: Includes a tube brush and a Bottle Bright tablet to keep your hydration equipment pristine.

Regular maintenance of your HydraPak reservoir ensures optimal performance and extends its lifespan, keeping your hydration system ready for all your adventures.