Regular backwashing flushes out contaminants from filter cartridges and helps to maintain flow rate

When to backwash:

Once a day or when you see a reduction in flow rate

After pre-filter cleaning

After any cartridge or filter replacement

After long periods of non-use

Turn on water source (hose) and turn blue dial to open position

Rotate gray backwash dial to each position for 30 seconds

Switch the dark gray backwash dial to position 1 and wait 30 seconds. Then turn it to position 2, wait 30 seconds, and continue to do so until reaching position 0

NOTE: Once you begin the backwash process, water will stop flowing from the tap. This is normal. During different rotations, water will flow out of the backwash hose. Once the dial is returned to position 0, water will resume flowing from the tap.

Let water flow from tap for up to 2 minutes and discard while in position 0

Discard first batch of water

If water is very muddy OR if you notice a sweet taste after performing the backwash procedure, cycle through again

Ready to use -Make sure backwash dial is in position 0 and drinking dial is switched open. Simply turn the drinking water dial to close position when finished using. “

In order to preserve the longevity of the filter, do not remove LifeStraw Max advanced carbon filter from sealed packaging until ready to use. When removing the LifeStraw Max advanced carbon filter from its separate packaging, please handle carefully to avoid any damage. Top lid must be in place when using LifeStraw Max.

1. REMOVE TOP LID
Slide the LifeStraw Max lid locks towards the middle of the unit to unlock. Lift the lid off of the Max and set to the side. Lid locks do not need to be held together while lifting the lid.
2. DISCONNECT WHITE FILTER HOUSING BRIDGE
Disconnect the top filter housing bridge (white) from the filter cartridges by pushing the two tabs toward the center of the box while pulling the white housing bridge upwards.
3. UNSCREW AND OPEN THE TOP OF THE ADVANCED CARBON FILTER HOUSING (GRAY)
Unscrew the top cap of the gray carbon filter housing. Locate the carbon filter block and remove from wrapping.
4. INSERT CARBON BLOCK WITH BLACK O-RING ON TOP
Place the carbon filter, with the black silicone ring facing outward, into the gray carbon filter housing. Screw the gray carbon cartridge lid on tightly.
5. REASSEMBLE CARBON FILTER HOUSING
Make sure that the bottom of the gray carbon filter housing is in place by pressing firmly into the fitting. Double check that the side cartridge connectors are firmly in place with the black seal flush against the inside.
NOTE: If you removed the carbon filter housing from the Max to insert the carbon block, reinsert by fitting the bottom of the cartridge into the plug fitting located in the bottom of the Max. Ensure the two side connectors are lined up to their matching pieces and press firmly to make sure they are in place.
6. RECONNECT WHITE FILTER HOUSING BRIDGE
Reconnect the top filter housing bridge by lining up the tabs with their associated slots and pressing down until it clicks into place, indicating it is fully locked.
7. CLOSE TOP LID
Place the top lid back onto the top of box, sliding the lid locks toward the corners to secure.

If you are having difficulty opening the carbon filter housing, we recommend pulling the full gray carbon cartridge out of the Max to unscrew the top and install the carbon filter block.

If you removed the carbon filter housing from the Max to insert the carbon block, reinsert by fitting the bottom of the cartridge into the plug fitting located in the bottom of the Max. Ensure the two side connectors are lined up to their matching pieces and press firmly to make sure they are in place.

Remember to perform the backwash procedure after any filter replacement.

STORAGE

Before storage:
Make sure water source is turned off and the blue drinking dial is in close position
Disconnect source water hose
Clear any debris from the pre-filter
Remove carbon block from light gray filter housing and set aside to dry
Place in sealed bag once dry – this will preserve the longevity of the filter
Keep filter housing inside the Max with cap reattached
Remove light blue membrane ultrafilter set from Max and store in a cool, dry place

During storage:
Make sure to store in normal conditions while not in use – keep away from direct sunlight and extremely high or freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. If the filters freeze, they must be replaced before using your Max again.

After storage:
Reassemble carbon filter by interesting the carbon block. Make sure black o-ring is on top
Reassemble membrane ultrafilter set by inserting each cartridge. Make sure bottom and side connectors are inserted firmly into their respective fittings
Perform backwash procedure to clear out any dust and debris.”

If your water is clear, we recommend cleaning the pre-filter weekly with regular use. If your water is cloudy you may need to clean the pre-filter more frequently

Make sure water source is turned off

Set dials – close drinking water dial to close, then turn dark gray backwash dial to position 1

Remove pre-filter lid and pull of pre-filter by twisting off the blue lid and taking out the stacked pre-filter inside by pulling up vertically CLOSE UP OF REMOVING LID AND PULLING OUT PRE-FILTER

Disassemble pre-filter by unscrewing the black pre-filter cap to access the 3 internal mesh prefilters that are stacked inside of one another

Clean all parts with a soft plastic bristle brush. Do not use soap since this could clog the prefilter

Reassemble pre-filter by placing the 3 mesh filters inside of one another and screwing back on the black cap. Insert into pre-filter housing until the bottom is in place and screw the light blue lid on tightly. “

When it’s time to replace your membrane ultrafilter set, follow the below instructions. Remember: these filters work as a set and must be replaced at the same time.

Make sure the water source is not connected while replacing filters.

1. REMOVE MAX LID
Slide the LifeStraw Max lid locks toward the middle of the unit, holding each pair together while lifting the top lid simultaneously.

2. DISCONNECT WHITE FILTER HOUSING BRIDGE
Disconnect the top filter housing bridge (white) from the filter cartridges by pushing the two rectangular tabs toward the center of the box while pulling the white housing bridge upwards toward the edge of the container until it is fully disconnected.

3. DISCONNECT BOTH BLUE MEMBRANE ULTRAFILTER CARTRIDGES
Uninstall each blue membrane ultrafilter cartridge by first disconnecting the top cartridge connector and next the bottom cartridge connector.
Lift both cartridges out of the box. Discard.

4. INSTALL NEW FILTERS
Insert each unused membrane ultrafilter cartridge into place. One at a time, align the bottom connector of the cartridge to its fitting at the bottom of the Max and press down firmly. Ensure each side connector of the cartridge is also firmly connected to its fitting.

5. RECONNECT WHITE FILTER HOUSING BRIDGE
Make sure that the bottom of each blue cartridge is in place before reconnecting the top filter housing bridge until it clicks into place and is fully locked.
Place the top lid back onto the top of box, slide the lid locks toward the corners. Optional: screw tightly to lock lid.

NOTE: Prior to first use with new filters, run the LifeStraw Max for up to 2 minutes, making sure to discard water prior to normal use.