How To Clean Brita Water Filter

H2o filter pitchers are a popular solution for improving tap water quality. But they're vulnerable to mold and mineral buildup, so they need regular cleaning.

Since the Brita pitcher is the nation'due south best seller and a production most people are familiar with, nosotros'll use information technology equally a standard for comparison. In this guide, nosotros'll discuss the importance of maintenance and prove you how to clean a water filter pitcher. Trust us — it's fourth dimension well spent.

If it's time for a new — run across our top rated filter pitchers.

Are Brita Pitchers Dishwasher Safe?

Brita pitchers are not dishwasher rubber. Some brands are, and others claim to be, but handwashing in warm water is always the safest bet.

The scalding hot h2o from your dishwasher can warp plastic parts enough to keep them from plumbing fixtures together properly. A cover that doesn't seal a warped carafe is an easy way for dust, mold and leaner to become into your drinking water.

How Oftentimes Should I Make clean Water Filter Pitchers?

Brita recommends cleaning your pitcher every few weeks and when you're putting in a new filter because adding or removing a cartridge can introduce contaminants into the mix. You want your filtered water to be as pure as possible.

Other manufacturers have like recommendations, but because the materials pitchers are made from vary, don't take information technology for granted. Always follow your pitcher model'southward instructions.

Why Should I Clean a Brita Pitcher?

Sanitation is critical in the kitchen, and your Brita bullpen is no exception. What's the indicate of drinking filtered water if it's not clean?

Cleaning Brita filters is a must to:

Prevent Mold Growth

Mold tin can grow anywhere if the conditions are favorable. Like bacteria, it prefers warm, dark and moist conditions. Since Brita filters agree common cold water and are usually refrigerated, mold is rarely a problem unless the refrigerator is unsanitary, or the bullpen gets likewise warm.

If it sits on the kitchen tabular array during meals or outdoors in the dominicus when you barbecue, at that place'due south ever a risk of mold forming in the lid opening. Regular cleaning is the all-time fashion to foreclose mold growth.

Remove Mineral Build-upwards

Filter pitchers are made of difficult, nutrient-rubber plastic. Non-toxic, they won't leach chemicals as long as they're used just for common cold water.

But dissimilar the flexible, semi-opaque plastics used in inexpensive water pitchers, the hard plastic used in water filter pitchers is vulnerable to etching. Abrasive substances, including the hard water minerals that may be in your h2o supply, tend to scratch and cling to the surface, making it cloudy like an old automotive headlight.

This build-upwardly isn't chancy, only it affects the await of your bullpen and eventually, the gustatory modality of filtered h2o.

How to Clean a Brita Filter Pitcher

Almost h2o filter pitchers are similar in design, so you can utilise these instructions regardless of brand. Let'south curl up our sleeves.

#ane Gather Supplies

Preparation is a time-saver, and so have the following supplies handy to wash your filter bullpen:

#3 Not-abrasive Sponge

Scrubbing pitchers with an abrasive sponge fabricated for stainless steel pots can permanently scratch the delicate plastic. Non-abrasive sponges labeled for glass stovetops are a amend option.

#four Mild Dish Soap

Manufacturers recommend mild dish detergent for cleaning filter pitchers. Harsh chemicals can damage some plastics and leave an unpleasant tasting residual. Stick with bones dishwashing detergent with no additives like hand moisturizers.

#v White Vinegar

If yous demand something stronger than dish lather to remove mold or mineral build-up from your Brita pitcher, mix i teaspoon white vinegar per loving cup of water in a spray bottle. Non-toxic, information technology kills mold and restores a shine to articulate plastics.

#6 Soft Toothbrush

Brita pitchers take nooks and crannies in the water reservoir and carafe that can be difficult to admission with a sponge. Instead, employ a soft toothbrush.

#vii Paper Towels

We don't like creating waste, just dish towels can scratch pitchers. We recommend using paper towels to dry the carafe. They're absorbent and maintain the stop.

Installing a New Filter Cartridge

A standard filter only lasts a few months, so you lot should replace it every 3-6 cleanings. It'south an easy way to remember the maintenance schedule.

If it's fourth dimension to replace your filter cartridge, take one ready before you lot outset cleaning. But don't prime number it however. Once wet, a Brita bullpen filter should remain moist, and then don't rinse it until subsequently your pitcher has stale.

#i Detach the Pitcher

Accept the pitcher apart and discard the water. Toss the former filter cartridge if it's time for a replacement. If non, set it bated. You lot can rinse it and reuse information technology later on. Just put it in a plastic bag to continue it moist if you expect the cleaning process to take more one-half an hr.

#2 Wash the Pitcher

Manus wash the carafe, h2o reservoir and pitcher cap in warm soapy water, examining each role for signs of mold or mildew. Utilize the toothbrush to access hard-to-accomplish areas.

Filter pitchers with a chrome chapeau crave special intendance. Co-ordinate to the manufacturer's instructions, for example, the Brita Pitcher'due south chrome hat should be wiped cleaned with a paper towel or soft cloth.

#3 Rinse and Echo?

Rinse your h2o pitcher thoroughly with warm water, especially in the crevices where lather residual tin hide. If you lot're non satisfied with the results, repeat the process. It'due south amend to deep clean information technology twice than to go overboard with scrubbing once.

#4 Dry the Pitcher

The best way to completely dry your pitcher is to let the carafe and water reservoir air dry out upside downward in your drying rack. Putting the pitcher upside downward helps information technology drain and dry faster.

It'south too easier to air dry the lid than to practise information technology with a dish towel. Information technology removes more moisture and discourages mold growth.

#5 Prime number the New Filter

Brita makes a various line of filter pitchers with different cartridges and slightly priming instructions. The aforementioned is true with nigh major players in the industry.

In full general, the process requires flushing the filter with cold h2o earlier it'due south installed to activate the carbon and get rid of carbon grit. Hot h2o can harm some filter cartridges, so using only cold water is essential.

Some manufacturers recommend you pre-soak the filter for the best results. But newer Brita models, such as the Brita Stream filter, save you that step. Equally always, refer to the new filter instructions.

#six Install the Filter Cartridge and Reassemble the Pitcher

Your pitcher's filtration power depends on a properly seated filter. It should sit firmly in the water reservoir to prevent unfiltered h2o with contaminants from leaking past the assembly.

One time the new filter is installed, fill your bullpen to the fill line with cold tap water. Equally function of the priming process, some makers suggest discarding the outset batch.

Finally, gently wipe the outside of your filter pitcher with a soft cloth or paper towel, transfer it to the refrigerator to cool, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Final Thoughts

Brita water filter pitchers are engineered to provide years of reliable service without extensive maintenance. Merely call up one rule — a cleaner pitcher ways better-tasting h2o.

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