My LifeStraw Go Series water bottle is difficult to drink/ clogged.

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 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 ¼ teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water (5 ml of bleach to 500 ml of 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.

REHYDRATE:

Our lab has found that rehydrating the filter with mouthwash (yep, mouthwash!) can sometimes resolve issues with flow. Here are the instructions for rehydration:

Rehydration Instructions:

1. Remove the membrane microfilter (MF filter) from your LifeStraw pitcher or bottle.
2. Submerge the MF filter fully in mouthwash for about 1 minute.
3. Rinse the MF filter under clean tap water for another 1 minute.

First-Time Setup Steps After Rehydration:

1. Follow the First-Time Setup instructions in your user manual.
2. Discard the first filtered batch without the activated carbon filter (ACF).
3. Discard the second filtered batch with the ACF.
4. Starting with the third batch, the water should taste and smell fresh.

To Store for Long Term:

When your GO bottle is not in use, we highly recommend storing the filter with a salt/saline solution because it helps to prevent any mold and algae from growing.

This process will also keep the membrane moist while in long-term storage, ensuring a good flow rate when resuming use.

If the membrane becomes completely dried out, getting the filter flowing again can be somewhat challenging, and we want to help you prevent this from happening.

You can follow the steps below.

• REMOVE CARBON FILTER: Remove the carbon filter, let dry for 30 minutes, and place in a sealed in a sealed reusable container.

• DISINFECT: Mix ¼ teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water and pour the solution into the Go bottle, closing the lid when filled. Let stand for 5 minutes. Then, empty the bottle or container and rinse with new water, shaking the filter.

• IMMERSE IN SALT SOLUTION: Fill the bottle half-way 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.

• STORE: Store the bottle containing the saltwater in a cool, dry place. Store carbon filter sealed in reusable container separately in a cool, dry place.