LifeStraw Flex Filter: Long Term Storage and Unclogging Instructions

Long Term Storage Instructions

Follow these steps if you have already used your LifeStraw Flex filter and plan to store for greater than 1 month without use. If storing for greater than 3 months, we recommend cleaning your bottle with a diluted bleach solution prior to storage for increased disinfection. Problems with clogging? See page 2.

To Disinfect

Mix 1½ teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water and pour solution into bottle, closing the lid when filled. Let stand for 5 minutes. Empty the bottle and rinse with new water, shaking the filter.

To Store

1. REMOVE CARBON FILTER. Remove the carbon filter, let dry 30 minutes and place in a sealed reusable container.
2. IMMERSE IN SALT SOLUTION. Fill the bottle or a reusable container half-way with water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and dissolve. Place the filter back onto the bottle and tighten.
3. STORE. Store container with the salt water in a cool dry place. Store carbon filter sealed in reusable container separately in a cool, dry place.
4. RESUME USE. To use your LifeStraw filter again, reinsert the carbon filter. Discard the salt solution and fill your container with regular source water. Spit out first few sips as they may still taste salty. If storing longer than three months, replace the carbon filter prior to reuse.

Note: We recommend storing the bottle with a salt/saline solution 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.

Unclogging Instructions

Follow these steps if you are experiencing clogging 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 filters are stored for long periods of time and appear to be blocked when trying to resume use, what you likely need to do is re-activate the hydrophilic properties of the membrane again or essentially lubricate the membrane so it easily pulls water through. The best way to do this? Coconut milk! (We know, weird, but it works!) 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 cap 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 Flex filter 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 Flex filter please email us at remy@lifestraw.com.