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.

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, 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 Go 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.