Originally Posted by
AdamDZ
I'm not sure keeping in it the freezer is good for the plastic. I'd rather keep it dry and clean and flush with bleach periodically. Also, lots of bacteria will survive in the freezer. Bleach is more effective.
Too long. Bleach damages plastics if exposed for too long and there is no need, 10 minutes is enough to kill common bacteria and fungi that cause mold and odor.
Bleach is bought in a plastic bottle. I do not think the concentrations normally used would be detrimental to the bladder, especially if it is only soaked infrequently. On a long tour, we soaked the bladders only once in four months of touring. Leaving it in the bladder longer than 10-15 minutes will eventually remove the dark mould deposits as well as sterilizing the bladder. I don't think they are removed if you only leave it in a short time. My experience anyway, others may beg to differ (as you do, perhaps you can provide evidence of damage or references to it occurring?).
My partner keeps her bladder in the freezer between uses, I let mine dry only. Both treatments seem to work.