Cleaning Hydration System Tubing

Q. Does anyone have any bright ideas how to clean and dry the tubing? Thanks.

Cathy O, Leeds

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A. The best way to stop nasty bugs inhabiting your drinks tube is to put it in the freezer. When I have finished using my platypus I rinse it out with hot water, drain the tube and dry the bladder with a cloth. I then roll the platypus up and put it in the freezer. When I need to use it again, I remove it from the freezer about 10 minutes before I need it, let it defrost, run some hot water through it and then put in my drink (water with Robinsons juice to taste). I have used the same bladder for 3 years now and it is still as good as when I bought it. As with all items of kit; if you look after it it will last. Hope this helps.

Colin Mccourt, East Cowes, Isle Of Wight

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A. After a while the tubing on hydration systems from Camelbak, Platypus and Sigg gets discoloured and needs cleaning.

There are a number of suggestions in Home > Product Reviews > Invaluable, Money Saving Walking Gear Tips though I have tried them all and none seem to work very effectively (for me anyway).

So, I use 1.3mm Grey TePe Interdental Brushes which are available from Boots and all good chemists.

What you need to do is cut the gray handle off with a hacksaw and then push the remaining brush through the tubing using an old wire coat hanger with lots of water and washing-up liquid.

This works.

Mike (Editor)

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