Can Camelbak Bottles Go In The Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)

Founded in 1989 in a sleepy California town, Camelbak is an outdoor company best known for its water bottles and hydration packs. In fact, Camelbak pioneered the concept of hands-free hydration.

And today, the company’s celebrated silicone mouthpiece features a spill-proof bite valve to make sipping easy and fun. It’s not surprising that much like Gatorade, Camelbak became synonymous with 90s cool.

You’re probably familiar with the quintessential Camelbak hydration pack— the perfect hiking companion and a staple at music festivals. The Camelbak water bottle, on the other hand, is ideal for everyday use. Take it to the office, school, work, and then back home again. Just don’t forget to wash your Camelbak bottle regularly.

Camelbak bottles can go in the dishwasher, including the mouthpiece. However, you’ll want to load your Camelbak bottle into the top rack of the dishwasher. If you use a wire brush to clean your straw, be sure not to push it through the bottle’s bite valve as it can damage the silicone mouthpiece.

To wash your bite valve in the dishwasher, first secure it in a mesh bag or other small porous container. Then place your secured bite valve on the top rack of the dishwasher.

You can also secure small bottle parts in your silverware rack, but you can best preserve the quality by keeping your smaller bottle parts away from the high temperatures and high pressure of your dishwasher’s spray.

By putting your plastic mouthpieces and caps on the top rack, you can avoid burning plastic in your dishwasher. There should never be stagnant water in your bottle, so make sure to dry all parts thoroughly before storing or using your bottle.

To remove mold, dust, buildup, dirt, or bacteria from your bite valve, you will need a thorough cleaning. First, make a cleaning solution containing either bleach or vinegar. For bleach, use one teaspoon of bleach per one glass of water.

For vinegar, use equal parts of vinegar and warm water. Fill a lidded container with your cleaning solution. Then, take apart your water bottle and drop the bite valve, cap, straw, and any other small parts into your container and cover.

Shake and let settle; soak for 30 minutes. Make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry all small parts before reassembling your Camelbak Water Bottle.

It may be tempting to grab that Aquafina water bottle as you’re running out the door because…convenience! But the recent popularity of reusable water bottles highlights the even more pressing matter of sustainability.

Every time you put your Camelbak Water Bottle in the dishwasher, you have kept one single-use plastic bottle out of a landfill. You may think it’s just one, but reusable bottles make a huge difference in protecting our environment.

So next time you’re running out the door, just grab your reusable Camelbak straight out of the dishwasher. Hydration can be environmentally friendly too!

For example, if you have a Carry Cap Water Bottle, check to see if it is insulated with stainless steel. If so, place the cap in the dishwasher and hand wash the bottle.

If the bottle is transparent, it’s Camelbak’s BPA-free plastic, so you can go ahead and put it in the dishwasher.

But wait– there’s good news for lovers of stainless steel! Some insulated stainless steel water bottles, like the Chute Mag and eddy+, are dishwasher-safe, making your day just a little easier.

Regardless of the brand, experts suggest washing your personal water bottle once a day, especially if you have taken it out of the house. Many people seem to think that personal water bottles are free of soil and bacteria, but water bottles are constantly in contact with their surrounding environment. Every time you touch your water bottle, you are introducing new bacteria.

Unless you have a Carry Cap or Beck Water Bottle, you can load your Camelbak Bottle into your dishwasher daily! Just make sure to take it apart and secure small parts. Always let it dry completely before using it again.

If you have a bottle with a bite valve, wash the bite valve by hand every few months. If you suspect mold or your mouthpiece is soiled, you can clean it more often. Disassemble your water bottle. Place the bottle in the dishwasher and place the bite valve and other small parts into a lidded container with a bleach solution. Shake and let soak!

Related Questions

How do I get mold out of a Camelbak water bottle?

If you suspect mold in your Camelbak water bottle, don’t worry— you don’t have to throw it out just yet. Fill a large Tupperware with either warm soapy water, a vinegar solution, or a bleach solution. Disassemble your Camelbak and drop the cap, bite valve, and straw into your lidded container. Shake vigorously and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. 

How often should I clean my Camelbak bladder?

Camelbak Hydration Packs are a little different from the Camelbak Water Bottles. Since you can’t just pop the Hydration Pack bladder into the dishwasher, you may not be cleaning it as often as you should. Even if you’re only filling it with water, dark and moist places– like the inside of your Camelbak bladder– are a breeding ground for nasty bacteria. You should wash your Camelbak bladder with warm, soapy water after every use. Be sure to let the bladder air-dry completely before stowing it away in your Hydration Pack. If you regularly use your Camelbak, you will need to clean it thoroughly every few weeks. Even if your Camelbak appears clean, the bite valve and hose could be growing mold or bacteria.