How Filters Work
LifeStraw Home Microfilter Membrane | Why has my LifeStraw Membrane Microfilter become clogged before the end of the filtration cycle?
Clogging can occur due to improper backwashing, cleaning, storage, trapped air bubbles, etc. It's important that the membrane filter stay hydrated and does not dry out. The membrane microfilter lasts up to 264 gallons and is based on a variety of fac
What is the difference between a filter and a purifier?
Purifiers remove viruses in addition to bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and turbidity (silt, sand, and cloudiness), and filters remove the above contaminants except for viruses. The absolute pore size of LifeStraw membrane microfilters is 0.2 mic
Can I use LifeStraw products to filter other liquids other than water?
Since other liquids can clog or otherwise damage the membrane and render it unusable, filtering liquids other than water is not recommended.
Why do some products claim a 1,000-liter lifetime and others claim a 4,000-liter lifetime?
LifeStraw has constantly tested our products to perform in the harshest conditions. For example, before 2018, we tried our products against extremely muddy and opaque water that is not reflective of typical use cases and took a conservative approach
Do LifeStraw Filters Expire?
LifeStraw membrane filters do not have a printed expiration date. When stored properly and kept unused, the membrane materials are stable for long term storage. For best quality assurance and traceability, unused LifeStraw membrane filters are intend
What is the LifeStraw membrane made from?
The LifeStraw membrane is made from Polysulfone. Polysulfones are a family of high-performance BPA-free thermoplastics. These polymers are known for their toughness and stability at high temperatures, making them essential for filtration by maintaini
LifeStraw Go Series | How do I know when it is time to replace my LifeStraw Go Series filters?
The Go Series (different than the Go) utilizes a two-stage filtration system consisting of a microfilter membrane and an activated carbon filter. • The membrane microfilter lasts up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 L) and will stop allowing water to flow thro
LifeStraw Max | How do I know when it's time to change the filter of LifeStraw Max?
If you continue to experience little to no flow-rate, it may be time to replace your membrane ultrafilter set. Water will stop flowing through once the membrane ultrafilter set has reached the end of its lifecycle. If you start to experience bad tast
LifeStraw Peak Series | How do I know when it's time to change the filter of my LifeStraw Peak Gravity or Peak Squeeze Water Filter System?
The Peak Series membrane microfilter lasts up to 500 gallons (2,000 liters). This filter is designed to stop working (meaning water will no longer flow through) once it has reached the end of its lifetime. LifeStraw Peak Series - Membrane Replacement
LifeStraw Peak | How do I know when my LifeStraw Peak Personal Water Filter Straw has reached its end of life? ?
Once the Peak Series personal water filter straw has reached the end of its lifetime, water will no longer flow through. This filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters)!.
Do LifeStraw products contain coal tar?
The coal tar used during the manufacturing process of our activated carbon fiber is purified, refined tar coal that does not contain the carcinogenic substances that regular coal tar found on the internet is known for.The activated carbon fiber used
Water Filter vs Water Purifier | Do I need to use purification tablets or boil water with your products?
LifeStraw believes in backing all claims and recommendations with scientific evidence and rigorous testing. However, since it is not possible to test or maintain accurate information on water sources in every location throughout the globe, we do not
How do LifeStraw Membrane Microfilters work?
LifeStraw Membrane Microfilters are made of hollow fiber membrane technology. These membranes contain microscopic pores of 0.2 microns in diameter. When dirty water enters the filter, the microscopic pores block bacteria, parasites, microplastics, d
How does LifeStraw work?
The majority of LifeStraw products for individual use are microfilters with an absolute pore size of 0.2 microns which remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt/silt. LifeStraw also manufactures ultrafilters/purifiers that, in addition to t
How do LifeStraw Membrane Ultrafilters (Water Purifiers) work?
LifeStraw ultrafilter pores are 0.02 microns—10 times smaller than microfilter pores. Both technologies work via the exact mechanism, but ultrafilters also block viruses due to their smaller pores. When dirty water enters the ultrafilter, the microsc
How does the LifeStraw activated carbon + ion exchange filter work?
LifeStraw activated carbon + ion exchange filters reduce lead and other heavy metals and chemicals such as PFAS, glyphosate, and chlorine while enhancing water taste. The activated carbon has been treated with specific processes to open millions of t
How does the LifeStraw Home Filtration Work?
The system uses a two-stage process to clean your water:. 1. Membrane microfilter. This filter uses hollow fiber membrane technology with microscopic pores that are just 0.2 microns wide. When water flows through it, contaminants like bacteria, paras
How does your filter maintain essential minerals?
A common way to measure the mineral content in water is through the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) index. If a filtration system removes essential minerals, there will be a noticeable reduction in TDS levels. Our internal testing shows that LifeStraw p
Can I use the filter for my CPAP?
Our LifeStraw Home pitcher is designed to reduce contaminants commonly found in tap water, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and some chemicals. However, it does not sterilize water and is not a substitute for boiling when sterile water i