how do you dry a bladder?

[bbassi]

What's the best way to dry the inside of a water bladder between trips so I don't get mold (or other nasties) growing in them?

 

[Danny Hoey]

What's the best way to dry the inside of a water bladder between trips so I don't get mold (or other nasties) growing in them?

Put it in the freezer

 

[Mighty Mouse]

I dry it as best I can with a dish towel and paper towels then toss it in the freezer until I need it again.

 

[bbassi]

Put it in the freezer

that doesn't make the plastic brittle and prone to leaking?

 

[Danny Hoey]

that doesn't make the plastic brittle and prone to leaking?

Hasn't been an issue for me.

 

[Muley Buck]

Bend a metal coat hanger so that it can fit inside the fill hole then bend it back out slightly to keep the bag open and not touching itself. Then hang it in the garage or somewhere that has warm, dry air circulating. It works great for me, I've been doing it this way for years.

 

[mlevimadden]

I put a pair of metal cooking tongs inside to hold it open to air-out.

 

[Mudd Foot]

I dry it as best I can with a dish towel and paper towels then toss it in the freezer until I need it again.

Perfect


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[Mighty Mouse]

that doesn't make the plastic brittle and prone to leaking?

I've been using the same 3L Osprey bladder for 8 years with no issues other than twice replacing a leaking bite valve, which I think was just necessitated by normal use, not related to being stored in the freezer. The plastic definitely gets stiffer at colder temperatures but has always returned to its normal flexibility after it warms up.

 

[*zap*]

Blow air into it with a blower/fan? Maybe something like a wire hanger to hold it open a bit while you do that.

 

[kentuckybowman]

I prop mine open and let it dry. Detach tubing and it will dry also.

 

[MuleyFever]

I put a pair of metal cooking tongs inside to hold it open to air-out.

Good idea.

I put mine in the freezer.

 

[neil.hansford]

I hang mine with the opening facing the HVAC vents in my house. If the heat or air is on, it'll be dry in no time. Or, if it's warm and sunny, prop it open and put it outside in the sun.

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[D_Dubya]

I hang mine upside down, propped open with a wad of paper towels. I pull the tip off the tube and it’s usually dry by the next morning.

 

[EasilyExcited]

Take the foot piece off your boot dryer and plop it over the nozzle

 

[yeti14]

Rinse with dilute bleach, dry as best i can and call it good. I run dilute each through the water filter as well.

 

[ODB]

Here's how I do it...and mind you I use PLatypus so they have a little memory in them which helps...

After you have washed out whatever you put in them, shake out as much water as you can. Then pour in some isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is hydroscopic and will absorb the remaining beads of water.

Then open the bladder as best you can and pour the alcohol into your next bladder and repeat. try not to let the bladder collapse on itself as you pour.

I kind of wedge the bladders open and store them open end down - the remaining little bit of alcohol will evaporate. I let them sit like that for a few days and once they are perfectly dry, stack them in the closet until next time.

I've done that for 20+ years - easy peasy

 

[Desk Jockey]

Camelbak and others sell a $5 gizmo that will hold it open to dry. I have a preference for source bladders that can be opened on the big end.

 

[xcutter]

I hang mine upside down after cleaning with Dawn dish soap. Let it air dry. Haven't had any problems with mold etc... If it matters about brand I have a Camelbak.

 

[rodney482]

Freezer