Cleaning and Maintaining the LifeStraw CommunityUpdated 3 hours ago
Your LifeStraw Community should be cleaned regularly and backwashed during normal use to help maintain flow rate and performance. The unit includes a 25 liter dirty water tank and a 25 liter safe storage tank.
Check out YouTube for videos on set up, care and take down.
Daily Use and Cleaning
1. Fill the unit
Pour unfiltered water through the pre filter into the dirty water tank. The pre filter removes coarse particles larger than 80 microns and helps protect the main filter from clogging.
2. Wait for water to begin filtering
Wait until some water starts flowing into the safe storage container before backwashing. This helps ensure the backwash pump is full of water.
3. Backwash every time you filter
Pull the backwash handle all the way down, then release it and let it return on its own. Dirty water will flow into the red backwash bottle. Backwashing should be done each time you filter because it helps remove debris from inside the filter, improves flow rate, and extends filter life.
4. Dispense purified water
After backwashing, water will continue flowing into the clean water tank. Open any of the four taps to collect purified water. Always use a clean cup, bottle, or storage vessel.
5. Empty the backwash bottle
Throw away the water from the backwash bottle. It contains dirty water and should not be used for drinking or other purposes. The manual says this water may be discarded into the ground away from water sources or into a toilet or similar waste system. Do not dispose of it into or near a water source.
6. Clean the pre filter and dirty water tank
At the end of each day, clean the pre filter and the dirty water container using water and a clean cloth or soft brush. Do not use soap on the pre filter or dirty water tank, because soap can clog the filter. If the pre filter becomes clogged, you can soak it in water overnight and clean it again the next day.
Weekly Cleaning
- Drain the unit before cleaning.
- Clean the dirty water tank with water and a clean cloth or soft brush. Do not use soap on this part.
- Clean the outside of the unit, including the taps, filter body, and stand or legs. This matches the cleaning steps you provided for storage prep.
- Clean the safe storage tank thoroughly using a cloth, soap, and clean water.
- Clean the taps using soap and purified water. The technical manual also notes that a small amount of bleach or chlorine mixed with purified water may be used to help sterilize the safe storage container and taps.
- Reassemble the unit and resume normal use.
Long Term Storage
If you plan to store the unit for an extended period:
- Empty the clean water tank, dirty water tank, and backwash bottle.
- Clean the dirty water tank with water and a cloth.
- Wipe the outside of the unit, including the taps, filter body, and stand or legs.
- Clean the safe storage tank thoroughly with a cloth, soap, and clean water.
- Backwash the unit 1 time to remove water from the cartridge and bellows.
- If possible, store the unit assembled on a raised surface, with the backwash bottle inside the dirty water tank.
- Store it in a dry, secure place. Do not place heavy objects on top of it, and do not place anything inside the tanks.
These storage steps are based on the instructions you provided and align with the cleaning guidance in the manuals.
If You Need to Store It in a Smaller Space
After completing the storage steps above:
- Separate the stand and the clean water container.
- Place the backwash bottle and pre filter inside the dirty water container.
- Turn the clean water container upside down and place it into the dirty water container.
- Turn the stand upside down and place the unit above it in the stand.
- Store or transport as needed.
These steps come from the storage instructions you provided.
Before Using Again After Long Term Storage
Before returning the unit to normal use:
- Fill the dirty water tank fully with unfiltered water.
- Add 1 purification cleaning tablet to the dirty water tank
OR
Add 7 mL of 3.5% bleach to the dirty water tank, using a graduated syringe or measuring cup to measure the amount exactly.
- Mix the cleaning tablet or bleach into the water.
- Wait until some water begins filtering into the safe storage container.
- Backwash by pulling the backwash handle down to its end position, then releasing it.
- Let the safe storage container fill.
- Once full, discard that filtered water by opening all 4 taps at the same time.
- Resume normal use.
Important Reminders
- Place the unit on a flat surface and do not move it while full of water.
- Store in a cool, shady area away from direct sun.
- Do not drink from the backwash bottle.
- Do not use soap on the pre filter.
- Clean the safe storage tank and taps with soap and clean or purified water.