Ways to Clean and Deodorize Your Water Bladder

I love my Camelbak Pixie. It has a 35 oz. water bladder and sipping tube, plenty enough for a 10K walk and easy to refill along the way. A reader wrote to ask about how to get rid of the plastic or rubbery taste that many hydration bladders have when new. I researched it and found a variety of techniques and recipes.

Any water carrier pack with a hydration bladder will need regular cleaning. You may even see visible growth of fungus or bacteria, especially if you use your bladder with sports drink or anything but plain water, and especially if you don't rinse it and dry it immediately after use. What is your favorite recipe for cleaning your water bladder? What did you try that didn't work? Leave a comment and let us add to the list.
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner 2006