cleaning Camelbaks

AntG
AntG Posts: 72
edited June 2009 in MTB buying advice
I haven't bought one of the cleaning kits as it seems a lot of cash for something that's probably not needed...I simply rinse mine out and use some sterilizer tablets every so often.

However, I can never get all the water out (which can't be good) - a week afterwards there are still dregs inside the main body and the tube - how do people get all this out?

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Sterilizing fluid, specialized brushes and storing in the freezer to stop the gremlins breeding.
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  • Brduk
    Brduk Posts: 90
    In this good weather we're having, you can put the reservoir and tubes out in the sun to soak up all the moisture, in cooler climates putting them next to a convector heater will serve the same purpose. Make sure to flush them afterwards to get any bugs out though, and use the sterelizing tabs every so often.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Get some plastic practice golf balls and chuck them in when you're drying it, stops it from closing up so it'll dry out faster. Usually you can get most of the water our either by pouring out the top, or sucking it out the tube.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • Brduk
    Brduk Posts: 90
    'know what, I was trying to think of something to keep the reservior open when drying, to make the process quicker, loads of practice golf balls would be cool, though maybe a little expensive, how about a sheet of twisted newspaper to prop it open, and suck up moisture?

    Sucking out the tubes has been missed by the rest of us, good advice.
    Northwind wrote:
    Get some plastic practice golf balls and chuck them in when you're drying it, stops it from closing up so it'll dry out faster. Usually you can get most of the water our either by pouring out the top, or sucking it out the tube.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Newspaper will leave print and flavour in the reservoir, I imagine. Practice golf balls cost pennies though, tesco sells a 6-pack for a pound which is all you need.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • Brduk
    Brduk Posts: 90
    Don't have a Tesco's near me so did'nt know, feck, is their anything the dont sell?!?
    Northwind wrote:
    Newspaper will leave print and flavour in the reservoir, I imagine. Practice golf balls cost pennies though, tesco sells a 6-pack for a pound which is all you need.
  • k2rider
    k2rider Posts: 575
    +1 for storing in the freezer.
    who cares?
  • RhysD
    RhysD Posts: 105
    empty water
    give mouthpiece a bit of a rinse
    stick in freezer
  • AntG
    AntG Posts: 72
    thanks to all..would NEVER have considered the freezer - I'm sure my brain shuts down when I leave work! :shock:
  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    AntG wrote:
    However, I can never get all the water out (which can't be good) - a week afterwards there are still dregs inside the main body and the tube - how do people get all this out?
    If you put it in the freezer after rinsing/cleaning it you don't need to worry about drying it out fully.

    edit - note to self, read the whole thread before replying.
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Trouble here is that you're nut just dealing with bacteria but also mould. And freezing doesn't kill all mould, as anyone with a manky freezer probably knows. So it's good, but it's not perfect.
    Uncompromising extremist

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