Follow these steps if you have already used the LifeStraw® filter and you plan to store for greater than 1 month without use. These steps will help prevent the filters from drying out and/or becoming blocked over longer periods of non-use.
5 Steps for Storing your Camelbak bottle or reservoir with LifeStraw® filter:
Remove Carbon Filter. Let dry for 30 minutes and place in a sealed reusable container.
Disinfect. Mix ¼ teaspoon of household bleach with 2 cups of clean water and pour solution in product (bottle or reservoir), closing the lid or cap when filled. Let stand for 5 minutes. Empty the bottle or reservoir and rinse with new water, shaking the filter to rinse.
Immerse in Salt Solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 2 cups of water in a reusable container. Pour the saline solution into the filter until filled with water, then place the filter in the reusable container with the remaining saline solution and seal tightly.
Store. Store the reusable container with saline solution in a cool dry place. Store the carbon filter (sealed) separately in a cool, dry place.
Resume Use. To use your filter again, reinsert the carbon filter and discard the salt solution. Blow any remaining solution out of the filter before filling your bottle or reservoir with regular source water. Spit out the first few sips as they may still taste salty. If storing longer than three months, replace the carbon filter prior to reuse.
Note: We recommend storing the bottle with a salt/saline solution because it helps to prevent any mould or algae from growing during long-term storage while also keeping the membrane microfilter wet which ensures a good flow rate when resuming use. When the membrane becomes completely dried out, it can be difficult to get the product flowing again.
Clogging can occur due to improper backwashing, cleaning and storage, trapped air bubbles, etc. If you experience blockage after your filters are stored for longer periods of time, you likely need to re-activate the hydrophilic properties of the membrane again or essentially lubricate the membrane, so it easily pulls water through.