How to Clean a Running Vest, Soft Flasks and a Hydration Bladder

Quick answer: Rinse soft flasks and a hydration bladder after every run, wash them with lukewarm water and mild soap using a bottle brush, clean the bladder tube with a tube brush, and let every part air dry completely before you store it. For the vest itself, empty the pockets, rinse out sweat and salt after hard runs, follow the care label, and let it dry fully.

Why cleaning matters

Sports drinks, sweat and a warm, damp interior are what make flasks and bladders smell and grow mold. Drying is the step most runners skip, and it matters as much as washing. On the vest, sweat and salt can affect zippers, clips and other hardware over time.

How to clean a soft flask

1. Rinse it as soon as you get home, especially after sports drink.
2. Fill it with lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Scrub the inside with a bottle brush.
3. Rinse until no soap is left, including the cap and valve.
4. Leave it open and upside down until it is completely dry.

A wide opening makes this much easier. The LECAMO 500ml soft flask has a 42mm mouth, so you can reach inside to scrub and dry it.

How to clean a hydration bladder

1. Take it apart: reservoir, tube and bite valve.
2. Wash the reservoir with mild soap and warm water, using a long brush for the corners.
3. Run warm water through the tube while pressing the valve, then scrub the inside with a hydration tube brush.
4. For a deeper clean, fill it with warm water and baking soda and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse well. Do not mix baking soda, vinegar or bleach solutions.
5. Hang it open and upside down until every part is dry. Only put a bladder in the dishwasher if its maker says that is allowed.

The LECAMO 2L hydration bladder has a wide top opening, which makes filling, cleaning and drying the inside easier.

How to care for the vest

• Take out flasks, gels and wrappers after every run.
• After hot or salty runs, rinse the vest and check zippers and clips for salt buildup.
• Follow the care label for washing, and let the vest dry fully before packing it away.

Storage between runs

Store flasks and bladders dry and open. If you run often, Salomon and Running Warehouse both suggest keeping flasks and bladders in the freezer between uses to slow bacterial growth.

FAQ

How often should I clean my soft flasks?

Rinse after every run. Wash with soap whenever you have used sports drink, and let them dry fully each time.

Can I use hot water?

Salomon recommends lukewarm water for flasks. Check your product's instructions before using hot water.

How do I get rid of a plastic or musty smell?

Wash with mild soap, try a baking soda soak for the bladder, and make sure everything dries completely before storage. Cleaning tablets made for bottles and bladders are another option.

Sources: Salomon, how to clean water bottles, flasks and bladders; Running Warehouse, how to clean a hydration pack.