What to do if my LifeStraw smells bad?

If your LifeStraw has developed an unpleasant smell, it’s likely due to bacterial growth or stagnation of water. This can happen if the filter is not cleaned regularly or if it was stored with water trapped inside. The first step is to clean your LifeStraw thoroughly; backflush it and then soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar for at least 30 minutes. This should help eliminate any odors.

After soaking, rinse the filter thoroughly to ensure that no vinegar remains, as the taste can be quite strong. Using your filter with fresh, clean water should resolve most odor issues.

For instance, if you used your LifeStraw in a muddy or contaminated source, the filter may absorb unwanted smells, making it less pleasant to use.

Pro Tip: Always remove any remaining water from the filter before storing it to prevent odors.

Consideration: If the smell persists even after cleaning, it may indicate the filter has reached the end of its life cycle and may need to be replaced.