Drying a collapsible water container properly is just as important as cleaning it. Whether you use a small 1 gallon collapsible water container for hiking or a 20-litre collapsible water container for home water storage, moisture left inside can cause odors, mold, and bacteria. A fully dry container lasts longer, stays cleaner, and keeps drinking water safe.

This guide explains the best way to dry collapsible water containers of all sizes, including camping collapsible water containers, collapsible water storage containers, 5 gallon collapsible water containers, and large 50 gallon collapsible water container models used for emergency preparedness.

The steps below work for all soft LDPE and BPA-free collapsible water container designs, including models with spigots, taps, or wide openings.

Why Proper Drying Matters for Every Collapsible Water Container

A collapsible water container folds flat and saves space, which makes it popular for camping, backpacking, home water storage, and disaster relief. But because the container collapses and expands, moisture can get trapped in folds and corners.

Failing to dry it completely can cause:

• Mold growth
• Bad odors
• Residue buildup
• Shorter product lifespan

This applies to all models, such as:

• 5 gallon water container collapsible designs
• collapsible 1 gallon water container
• collapsible water container 10L
• collapsible water container with spout
• collapsible water containers for camping
• collapsible plastic water containers

Whether you rely on a collapsible camping water container for weekend trips or keep a collapsible water storage container at home for emergencies, proper drying keeps the container safe for long-term use.

Step 1: Drain All Water Completely

Start by pouring out all remaining water. Lift the base of the collapsible water container so the last drops run through the opening or the spigot.

This step applies to all sizes, including:

• 1 gallon collapsible water container
• 2.5 gallon collapsible water container
• 5 gallon collapsible water container

If your collapsible water container has a tap or spigot, keep it open during draining to prevent water from sitting inside.

Step 2: Shake Out Excess Moisture

After draining, close the cap loosely and shake the container. This loosens water droplets stuck along the walls. It helps especially with collapsible water container camping models because they have flexible sides that hold moisture in small folds.

This shaking method works well with:

• camping collapsible water container
• collapsible water container hiking models
• collapsible water container for RV

It also speeds up drying for soft containers like a collapsible water container bag used for outdoor activities..

Step 3: Expand the Container Fully and Air Dry

The key step is to let air circulate inside.

• Open the cap fully.
• Expand the collapsible water storage container to its full shape.
• Position it upside down on a clean rack or shelf to allow for proper airflow.

If your model has a spigot, position it downward so water drains out naturally.

This is effective for:

• collapsible water container 5 gallon
• collapsible water container 20L
• collapsible water container in large sizes

If you own a fold carrier collapsible water container, or a Reliance fold carrier collapsible water container 5 gallon, the wide opening simplifies this step.

Step 4: Use a Clean Towel for Faster Drying

If you need the container ready quickly, you can wipe the inside with a soft towel wrapped around a long stick or cleaning rod. This works best with:

• collapsible outdoor water container
• collapsible drinking water container
• collapsible gallon water container
• plastic collapsible water container

Avoid rough fabrics because they can scratch LDPE surfaces.

Step 5: Dry the Spigot or Tap Separately

A collapsible water container with a spigot or a collapsible water container with a tap must have the spout cleaned and dried separately. This prevents bacteria buildup, common in camping water container collapsible models.

Steps:

• Remove the spigot if possible
• Rinse and sanitize
• Leave it to air dry
• Make sure the rubber washers dry, too

This is important for models like:

• water storage cube BPA-free collapsible water container with spigot
• collapsible water container for camping
• RV collapsible water container setups

A wet spout can introduce contamination even if the container itself is fully dry.

Step 6: Allow At Least 12 Hours of Air Drying

To prevent trapped moisture, let the container air dry overnight. Larger sizes, like a 50 gallon collapsible water container or 100 gallon collapsible water container, may require more time.

Make sure:

• The cap remains open
• The interior has airflow
• No sections collapse during drying

The spigot is detached and drying separately

Step 7: Prevent Odors During Long-Term Storage

Once the collapsible water container is fully dry:

• Close the cap loosely
• Store in a cool, dark place
• Avoid folding sharply against new lines
• Keep away from chemicals or fuel

This is especially important for:

• 10 litre collapsible water container
• 5L collapsible water container
• 1 gallon collapsible water container
• collapsible water containers for camping
• collapsible water container for travel

A dry container will not develop plastic odors or mildew during long storage periods.

How to Dry a Collapsible Water Container Faster Outdoors

If you are camping or backpacking, you can use sunlight and natural airflow.

Outdoor drying tips:

• Hang the container from a tree branch
• Use a carabiner to keep it inverted
• Open all caps and valves
• Let it sit in indirect sunlight

Direct sunlight is fine for short periods, but avoid long exposure to protect LDPE material.

This works very well with:

• camping collapsible water container
• collapsible water container go outdoors
• collapsible water container backpacking
• collapsible water container for backpacking

Avoid These Drying Mistakes

Do not:

• Use a hair dryer or heater inside the container
• Leave water inside for long periods
• Fold while wet
• Close the cap during drying
• Store near fire or heat sources

These mistakes reduce the lifespan of collapsible water storage containers.

How to Know Your Container Is Fully Dry

Your collapsible water container is ready to fold and store if:

• No droplets are visible
• No moisture collects in corners
• The spigot is dry inside
• There is no odor

This is true for all sizes from a 2.5 gallon collapsible water container up to a 20 gallon collapsible water container or larger.

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Collapsible Water Containers

To keep your collapsible water containers performing well:

• Clean them after every use
• Dry fully before folding
• Store with caps open
• Avoid folding against new lines
• Inspect spigots regularly

These steps protect any collapsible water storage container, collapsible 5 gallon water container, or collapsible water container 1 gallon model for long-term use.