LifeStraw Go Series: Unclogging and Long-Term Storage Instructions

Unclogging Instructions

Follow these steps if you are experiencing clogging or difficulty sipping before the end of your product's filtration cycle. This can occur due to improper backwashing, cleaning and storage, trapped air bubbles, etc. One of the best ways to prevent clogging is to follow our long-term storage instructions. This prevents the membranes of our filters from drying out and/or becoming blocked over longer periods of non-use. If your filter has been stored for a long period of time with non-use in a dry environment, skip to the last step.

Air Valve Check

Check the umbrella valve: there is a small circular clear silicone piece on the inner side of the main cap that connects the filter. If this becomes dirty or clogged, it will not let air pass through the bottle and will result in difficulty sipping. Remove this umbrella valve, rinse it and the cap, and then re-assemble.

Basic Backwash

Backwash the filter: drink water through the mouthpiece and then blow through the mouthpiece to push water back out of the membrane into the bottle. Do this several times to clear the filter of debris.

Overnight Soak

Remove activated carbon filter. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water and pour solution into bottle, closing the lid when filled. Let soak overnight. Empty the bottle and rinse with new water, shaking the filter.

Re-hydrating with Coconut Milk

If your filters are stored for long periods of time and appear to be blocked when trying to resume use, you likely need to re-activate the hydrophilic properties of the membrane or lubricate it so it easily pulls water through. The best way to do this is with coconut milk. See the instructions below for unclogging using coconut milk:

1. Remove Carbon Filter. Remove the carbon filter and place in a dry, cool place.
2. Hydrate. Fill a clean jar with 4 tablespoons of coconut milk and 2 cups of water, mixing well. Remove the membrane microfilter from the cap (without the carbon inside) and immerse the filter in coconut solution. Let stand for 1 hour.
3. Rinse. Rinse the hydrated membrane microfilter under tap water for 1 minute, making sure to rinse from both sides. Clean the mouthpiece and all surfaces after rinsing.
4. Resume Use. To use your LifeStraw Go Series again, reinsert the carbon filter, then begin drinking water. Note: the first few sips might be tougher to draw water but it should ease up quickly.

Putting it away for a while after? Remember to check out our long-term storage instructions. If you have additional questions about storage and maintenance for your LifeStraw Go Series, please email us at remy@lifestraw.com.

Long Term Storage

Follow these steps if you have already used your LifeStraw Go Series and plan to store it for greater than 1 month without use. We recommend storing the bottle with a salt/saline solution per the below instructions because it helps to prevent any mold or algae from growing during long-term storage while also keeping the membrane microfilter wet, which ensures a good flow rate when resuming use. When the membrane becomes completely dried out, it can be difficult to get the product flowing again.

1. Remove Carbon Filter. Remove the carbon filter, let dry for 30 minutes, and place in a sealed reusable container.
2. Mix Bleach Solution. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water and pour the solution into the bottle, closing the lid when filled. Let stand for 5 minutes. Empty the bottle and rinse with new water at least 2 times. Empty the bottle again and blow air through the filter to remove any additional bleach solution still in the filter.
3. Immerse in Salt Solution. Fill the bottle halfway with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and dissolve. Place the filter lid (with mouthpiece closed or cap on and the microfilter membrane still attached) back onto the bottle and tighten.
4. Store. Store the bottle containing the salt water in a cool, dry place. Store the carbon filter sealed in a reusable container separately in a cool, dry place.
5. Resume Use. To use your LifeStraw Go again, reinsert the carbon filter. Discard the salt solution and fill your bottle with regular source water. Spit out the first few sips as they may still taste salty. If storing longer than three months, replace the carbon filter prior to reuse.

Scan the QR code for video instructions. [QR Code]