Clean Water, Clean Adventure
Your water bladder is your lifeline on the road
When you're touring remote tracks, camping off-grid, or spending days on the road, your drinking water bladder is one of the most important parts of your 4WD setup. Clean water storage means fresh-tasting water, no unwanted smells, and reliable hydration wherever you set up camp in Australia's harsh conditions.
Your bladder is made from food-grade PVC or TPU and certified to AS/NZS 4020:2018 for drinking water safety. A simple cleaning routine before and after use helps keep your water fresh and your system performing at its best on every trip.
Before First Use (New Bladder Setup)
Before heading off on your first trip, give your new bladder a quick clean and flush. This removes any light manufacturing odour and ensures clean, fresh-tasting water from day one.
Our water bladder is supplied with a drinking water-grade hose kit. Make sure you also rinse the hose, fittings, and connections before installing them to the bladder.
Step 1: Basic Rinse
- Fill the bladder with clean drinking water
- Swish thoroughly to cover all internal surfaces
- Run clean room temperature water through the hose kit as well
- Drain completely
- Repeat once if needed
Step 2: Vinegar Rinse
This is the most effective bush-friendly method for removing "new plastic" smell.
- Mix 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water
- Fill the bladder and run some through the hose system too
- Ensure it reaches all internal surfaces, fittings, and hose lines
- Leave for 15–20 minutes
Step 3: Drain and Rinse Well
- Empty the bladder completely
- Flush clean water through both bladder and hose kit
- Repeat 2–3 times until any vinegar smell is gone
Step 4: Optional Baking Soda Rinse (For Neutral Taste)
If you prefer a completely neutral taste:
- Mix 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda per 5 litres of water
- Swish through bladder and hose system
- Leave for 5–10 minutes
- Drain and finish with a final clean water rinse
⚠️ Important Note: Do NOT mix vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in the same cleaning cycle. They react immediately and neutralise each other, reducing cleaning effectiveness and damaging the material. Always use them separately.
| Method | Best For | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Rinse | Quick refresh | 5 mins | After every use |
| Vinegar Rinse | Removing plastic smell | 20 mins | First use & as needed |
| Baking Soda Rinse | Neutral taste preference | 10 mins | Optional |
After Every Trip (Routine Maintenance)
Keeping your system fresh after use is just as important as the first clean.
- Rinse lightly after every use
- Perform a full clean every 2–3 months or after long trips
- We recommend that if storing water in the bladder, you do not leave it longer than 2 weeks without emptying and rinsing
Drying Your Water Bladder (Essential Step)
Proper drying is critical for preventing odours and maintaining hygiene:
- Empty and rinse thoroughly
- Leave all openings and fittings exposed
- Hang the bladder so gravity helps drain remaining water
- Ensure airflow through bladder and hose lines
- Store only when completely dry
Packing Away Your Water Bladder (Best Storage Method)
When your trip is finished, how you pack your bladder away makes a big difference to its lifespan.
The best way to store it is:
- Make sure the bladder is completely dry
- Lay it flat first to air out fully
- Roll it up neatly
- Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid sharp folds or tight creases if possible
💡 Pro Tip: This method helps maintain the material shape, prevents odours, and keeps the bladder ready for your next trip.
Cleaning & Storage Guidelines
For long-term performance:
- Do not use bleach or detergents (may damage material)
- Do not use hot or boiling water
- Always use potable drinking water for rinsing
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Use a simple inline filter when filling to keep water clean
Optional Video Reference
How to Clean and Store Your Water Bladder
