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How to get nasty ta...
 

How to get nasty taste out of hydration bladder

 DrJ
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[#13536104]

I bought a new hydration bladder (Apidura) and it has a really strong plasticky taste. What's the best way to get rid of it? I tried washing it with soapy water but it's still horrible. I was intending to keep it for plain water but at this rate I'll have to add flavoured tablets to mask the taste. 


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 2:50 pm
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Milton and leave to soak for 1 hour - dilute the Milton. Then give it 4 or 5 full flushes...that should improve things massively.


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 3:30 pm
Ambrose reacted
 DrJ
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I'm trying bicarb just now. Next I'll try to locate the Milton in the back of the bathroom cupboard and give that a go 🙂


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 4:34 pm
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Second Milton as a cleaner and general de-greener.


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 5:08 pm
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I use Milton with mine too and get no funny tastes.


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 6:06 pm
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Don't forget to do the tube and the bite valve as well


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 6:42 pm
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Also, I found keeping it in the freezer between uses helped.


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 6:46 pm
ready and b33k34 reacted
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Rum and coke 


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 7:47 pm
Tom83 reacted
 DrJ
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Posted by: lairdburkart

Rum and coke

Now you're talking!


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 9:42 pm
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Pickled gherkins are a mouth cleanser, put some and the juice in your hydration bladder a few hours, diluted with some water.


 
Posted : 28/06/2026 10:06 pm
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Milton and leave to soak for 1 hour - dilute the Milton. Then give it 4 or 5 full flushes...that should improve things massively.

This


 
Posted : 29/06/2026 7:17 am
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Unflavoured denture cleaning tablets also an option 


 
Posted : 29/06/2026 3:05 pm
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I use Fred & Flo sterilising tablets from Tesco which are basically an off-brand, cheaper version of Milton.

I also keep keep the bladder in the freezer when not in use, as suggested already.

The rum and coke idea is good though.


 
Posted : 29/06/2026 3:13 pm
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After trying Milton, a less alkali option is bicarbonate of soda (60p from most supermarkets), then neutralise with clear vinegar, and rinse with fresh water.


 
Posted : 30/06/2026 1:02 pm
 DrJ
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Posted by: citizenlee

I use Fred & Flo sterilising tablets from Tesco which are basically an off-brand, cheaper version of Milton.

I have some Boots sterilising tablets left over from when MissJ was bottle feeding. She’s 34 now. 


 
Posted : 01/07/2026 10:32 am