Cleaning Hydration System Tubing

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

Cathy O, Leeds

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

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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