How to Clean Hydration Bladders: Practical Guide on Care and Maintenance for ICEPLATE® (all generations) -

Keeping your ICEPLATE® clean is simple and easy.  Here are a few helpful tips for cleaning IcePlate® Classic and IcePlate® Curve.

How to clean ICEPLATE® Curve and ICECAP:

ICEPLATE® Curve Cleaning FAQ:

Q: How long can water be stored before harmful bacteria sets in and the water needs replacing?

A: In the course of our usage, we have stored filled ICEPLATE® Curve in the freezer for over a year (with no power loss to the freezer) without replacing the water and have never seen any bacteria growth. As ICEPLATE® Curve is made of BPA-Free, USDA approved HDPE, you can expect it to perform exactly as other HDPE water bottles and canteens perform.   

Q: How do you clean ICEPLATE® Curve? How do you get rid of or prevent bacteria growth inside? 

A: We have never used any chlorine tabs to clean IcePlates. The only cleaning technique we recommend is to use a commercial/residential dishwasher to fully clean and sanitize ICEPLATE® Curve as in the video above.

Q: Can I use chlorine tabs or or other cleaning tabs to clean ICEPLATE® Curve?

A: While we have used sterilizing tablets similar to Camelbak tabs (note these are all chlorine and phosphate free - do not use chlorine products to clean ICEPLATE® Curve) successfully without issue, we cannot recommend this method for cleaning as there are variables beyond our control like user storage conditions, care, maintenance, etc. In addition, using hot water and soap to clean and sanitize ICEPLATE® Curve has also worked in the field for our users, but using a dishwasher is our only recommended method for cleaning/sterilizing. The best part of our patented TotalDrain Technology is that helps to run ICEPLATE® Curve completely dry, dramatically improving hygiene in the field.

How to clean ICEPLATE® Classic: Dishwasher Safe or Hand Wash

ICEPLATE® Classic, including the hose and Bite Valve/Dust Cover Kit, are Dishwasher Safe. Simply unscrew the cap (this can be stowed in the silverware compartment of your dishwasher) and place the IcePlate® cap side down in the lower rack.  If your IcePlate® includes our Quick Disconnect feature, the upper portion of the tube can be removed and placed in the top rack. Run the IcePlate® through your normal wash and dry cycle.  

Another option is to hand wash your IcePlate® with a mild soap and water solution. After filling your sink with hot soapy water, clean IcePlate® with a non-scratch surface safe sponge (avoid scouring pads and chore boys).  Flush water through the Bite Valve to remove soap from the hose before drinking. IcePlate® should be thoroughly rinsed out. Attach a household rubber band to the top strap loop, hang and let our TotalDrain Technology do all the work!

Cleaning Your Tube

Either of the above options work for cleaning your tube as well.  Many users have noted that condensation builds up within the tube and can be difficult to remove.  This is not particularly problematic for day to day use, but the tube should be thoroughly dried prior to long-term storage.  For these purposes, we recommend using the Platypus Tube Brush. The Platypus Tube Brush is a thin brush that is attached to a long piece of wire.  It can currently be purchased as part of the Platypus Cleaning Kit (Please Note: the larger brush that comes with this kit does not fit into the mouth of the IcePlate®; it can be used to scrub the outer portion at best).  

When cleaning the Quick Disconnect version of our IcePlate®, remove the Bite Valve/Dust Cover from the upper portion of the tube.

Run the length of the Tube Brush through the tube and remove.  This will dry out the condensation particles.

For the portion of the tube attached to the IcePlate®, remove the female QD piece from the tubing.

Insert the Tube Brush.

Hang the IcePlate® and tubing to dry completely before long term storage.  Reassemble before use.

What other techniques have you used to clean your IcePlate®?  We look forward to reading your comments below!