Katadyn BeFree filter maintenance guide: six key points to make drinking water safer

1. Inspection before use

  1. Appearance inspection
    • Inspect the filter element for tears, cracks, or other visible damage to the surface. If the filter element membrane is damaged, stop using it immediately and replace it with a new one.
  2. Functional testing
    • If the filter element has been used before, it is recommended to do a simple water test before using it again to confirm whether the water flow is normal and there is no odor. Before testing, soak the filter element in water to keep it moist.

2. Simple cleaning during filtration (“shaking and cleaning” method)

Since the Katadyn BeFree filter element uses hollow fiber membrane technology, the internal tube wall will gradually become clogged due to filtering the sediment or impurities in the lake and stream water. Therefore, it is recommended to use the following method for simple cleaning:

  1. Soak in water
    • Fill the soft water bag (or other container) that came with the filter with the cleanest possible water.
  2. shake
    • Cover the kettle, shake the filter and the kettle for a few seconds to more than ten seconds, so that the water can flush back and forth inside the filter to loosen and expel the attached tiny particles.
  3. Pour out the sewage
    • Open the kettle and pour out the dirty water after shaking. If it still feels clogged, repeat the steps of "filling - shaking - pouring out" several times.

Tips: If you are in an environment with clear mountain spring water, you can directly "shake and wash" by the stream. Please avoid using strong water jets to directly rinse the filter element.

3. Regular deep cleaning (maintenance after returning home)

If you feel that the filter flow rate has become significantly smaller, or after using turbid water, you can follow the steps below to thoroughly clean it to avoid filter clogging:

  1. Warm water soak
    • Prepare a container with slightly warm (not boiling) clean water (RO water is best), and soak the BeFree filter cartridge in it for a few minutes.
    • It is recommended that the water temperature should not exceed 40-50°C to avoid high temperature damage to the filter element.
  2. Gentle Shake
    • After soaking, gently shake the filter element to help remove the clogging impurities.
  3. A small amount of disinfectant can be added
    • If there is an odor or you are concerned about bacterial growth, you can add KATADYN MICROPUR Water Purifier Tablet MF (or a small amount of bleach or salt water) to warm water.
  4. Wash again in large quantities
    • If soaking and disinfection are performed, be sure to clean the filter element with clean water several times according to the above 1-2 points to ensure that impurities and chemical residues are removed.
  • Tip: Avoid using strong water jets to directly flush the filter element.

4. Drying and storage after use

  1. Short-term storage
    • After each use, first perform "shake clean" with RO water and pour out the dirty water.
    • Drain the moisture in the filter element (you can use an empty water bag to squeeze air into the filter element), turn it upside down or place it in a ventilated place to drain, and avoid long-term moisture and mold growth.
    • When used for a short period of time, it is not a big problem if the filter element is slightly moist, but it still needs to be avoided from high temperatures, direct sunlight and dirty environments.
  2. Long-term storage
    • It is recommended to clean and sterilize using the "deep clean" method first.
    • Drain as much water as possible from the filter element (you can use an empty water bag to squeeze air into the filter element) and store it in a cool, dry and ventilated environment.
    • Remember to prevent the filter element from freezing: If there is still moisture in the filter element, it may rupture and fail in a low temperature or icy environment.
  3. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures
    • Do not place the filter element in an environment above 50°C for a long time, and avoid exposing it to sunlight (such as in a car) to prevent aging or deformation of the filter element.
  4. Scale treatment when using tap water for cleaning (RO water is best for cleaning)
    • Causes of scale:

      Use tap water to clean the filter element. The minerals in the tap water may form scale after the filter element dries, causing a decrease in flow or blockage. This is the most common blockage currently encountered.

    • Scale treatment method:
      1. soak
        • Soak the filter in a solution containing KATADYN MICROPUR MF or edible citric acid.
        • After soaking for a while, shake gently to help dissolve and remove scale.
      2. Wash again in large quantities
        • After soaking, be sure to rinse the filter element repeatedly with clean water to avoid residual acidic substances or dissolved impurities.

5. Flow rate and replacement timing

  1. Observe the water flow
    • As the number of uses increases and the water quality is affected, the flow rate will gradually decrease. If the flow rate still drops significantly after multiple cleanings, it means the filter element is nearing the end of its life or is damaged and needs to be replaced immediately.
  2. Official lifespan reference
    • Katadyn officially states that the filter can filter thousands of liters of water under optimal conditions, but the actual lifespan still depends on water quality, frequency of use and maintenance.
  3. When the filter element is broken or deformed
    • If you find that the filter is broken, deformed or cannot restore normal function, please stop using it immediately and replace it with a new one to ensure drinking safety.

6. Other matters needing attention

  • Prevent freezing
    • After use in cold weather or at high altitudes, the filter element can be placed close to the body or in a sleeping bag to prevent the filter element from freezing and causing damage to the membrane material.
  • Check the kettle or container regularly
    • As BeFree filters are usually used in conjunction with soft-top pitchers, please check the pitcher for damage, leaks or severe contamination.
  • Correct drinking water source
    • No matter what kind of outdoor water purification equipment you use, try to choose a relatively clean water source, follow the correct water purification steps, and clean and dry it immediately after returning home.

in conclusion

The key to maintaining the Katadyn BeFree filter is to "keep it clean and store it properly."

  • It is recommended to perform the basic step of "shaking to clean" after each use, and deep cleaning and disinfection if necessary.
  • When storing, be sure to drain the moisture and store in a cool and dry place, avoiding freezing or high temperature environment.
  • If the water flow rate of the filter element drops significantly or the filter membrane is damaged, it should be replaced immediately to ensure drinking safety.

As long as you follow the above guidelines and perform proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your BeFree filter and continue to provide clean, safe drinking water during your outdoor activities.

KATADYN BeFree

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