LifeStraw Go Series | My LifeStraw Go Series water bottle is difficult to drink/ clogged.Updated 2 hours ago

If you are experiencing clogging or difficulty sipping before the end of your product’s filtration cycle, it is often related to trapped air, improper backwashing, cleaning, or storage. Follow the steps below to help restore flow.

Why is my filter hard to sip through?

Reduced flow can happen for a few common reasons:

• The filter was not backwashed regularly
• The air valve is dirty or blocked
• The membrane has trapped air bubbles
• The product was stored dry for a long period
• The membrane was not cleaned or stored properly between uses

One of the best ways to help prevent clogging is to follow the long term storage instructions. This helps keep the membrane from drying out or becoming blocked during long periods of non use.

Step 1: Check the air valve

Check the umbrella valve inside the main cap. This is the small, clear, circular silicone piece on the inner side of the cap where the filter connects.

If this valve becomes dirty or clogged, it may block airflow and make sipping difficult.

What to do:

1. Remove the umbrella valve
2. Rinse both the valve and the cap
3. Reassemble the parts securely

Step 2: Backwash the filter

Backwashing can help clear debris from the membrane.

What to do:

1. Drink water through the mouthpiece
2. Blow back through the mouthpiece to push water back out through the membrane into the bottle
3. Repeat several times

Step 3: Try an overnight soak

If backwashing does not improve flow, try soaking the membrane filter.

Important:
Remove the activated carbon filter before soaking.

Bleach soak instructions:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water
2. This is about 5 mL of bleach per 500 mL of water
3. Pour the solution into the bottle and close the lid
4. Let it soak overnight
5. Empty the bottle
6. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water
7. Shake the filter and backwash before using again

Optional vinegar method:
This option is for the membrane only, not the carbon filter.

1. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts clean water
2. Flush the solution through the membrane
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Backwash well to remove any remaining vinegar residue