Does anyone have any tips on cleaning the bladder to get rid of funky taste?

They make special cleaning tabs and scrubby brushes that work. Need to dertermine why funky taste is there - like is scum built up on inside of bag? I've tried swishing baking soda and vinegar around inside and it kind of works, but not really.

Ive only used it a few times and its the antibacterial type im getting a funky plastic taste that is pretty gnarly like when you leave water in a plastic jug in the sun then drink it. Ive tried dawn dish soap on a previous bladder with adverse effects and i rinsed very thoroughly and had to stop four times on the way home from gunks!!!

Fill it with a hot, saturated solution of baking soda for 24 hrs. Rinse & repeat as necessary. It could take 4 or more repeats.

I've heard several folk tell that a very dilute bleach solution followed by many rinses with H2O does the job. I admit I rarely use one and have thrown away a bladder that got a bad taste rather than risk the aftermath from trying to clean it.

I clean mine when needed (once/year or less) with a dab of bleach and water. When not in use, they stay in the fridge in a giant zip-lock bag. No nasties. For just a funky taste, I'd try the baking soda. I've been a cyclist for so long, drinking out of plastic water bottles and hydration packs, that I think water that doesn't taste like plastic tastes funny. :^)

Kathy

I just add those little packets of crystal light... covers up any funky flavors. Gave up on bleach and baking soda, myself. my hose is totally black with gunk, oh well...

I couldn't be the only one to conclude that this thread offers a good reason not to buy the product.

As time goes on i might have to agree with oenophore. But they are good for multi pitching just have to get over the funk. Thanks for the suggestions.

I have no major issues with taste but I generally zap mine with a little bleach to remove slimy buildup.

You could try a very light H2O2 solution, too.

I also replace mine every 2-ish years, because all of the above is still window dressing.

I think they have pills for when your hose turns black, Aya. Oops, probably not for females :-)

Chip - Black or no, I think we'd have a less enjoyable experience replaceing ours every two years than them!

If you buy a new one or get the funk out of the one you have, then store it in the freezer between uses. It will help prolong the inevitable by quite a bit.

If you buy a new one or get the funk out of the one you have, then store it in the freezer between uses. It will help prolong the inevitable by quite a bit.

Or wait until another similar trouble-free product is on the market.