How To Clean Water Filter Pitcher

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

Since the Brita pitcher is the nation's best seller and a product virtually people are familiar with, we'll use it as a standard for comparison. In this guide, nosotros'll discuss the importance of maintenance and show y'all how to clean a water filter pitcher. Trust u.s. — information technology's fourth dimension well spent.

If information technology's fourth dimension for a new — see our top rated filter pitchers.

Are Brita Pitchers Dishwasher Safety?

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

The scalding hot water from your dishwasher tin warp plastic parts enough to go along them from fitting together properly. A encompass that doesn't seal a warped carafe is an easy fashion for dust, mold and leaner to get into your drinking water.

How Often Should I Clean Water Filter Pitchers?

Brita recommends cleaning your pitcher every few weeks and when you're putting in a new filter because calculation or removing a cartridge can introduce contaminants into the mix. You want your filtered h2o to be as pure as possible.

Other manufacturers accept similar recommendations, but because the materials pitchers are made from vary, don't take it for granted. Always follow your bullpen model'southward instructions.

Why Should I Make clean a Brita Pitcher?

Sanitation is critical in the kitchen, and your Brita bullpen is no exception. What's the point of drinking filtered h2o if it'due south not clean?

Cleaning Brita filters is a must to:

Foreclose Mold Growth

Mold tin abound anywhere if the weather are favorable. Like leaner, it prefers warm, dark and moist conditions. Since Brita filters hold cold water and are ordinarily refrigerated, mold is rarely a problem unless the refrigerator is unsanitary, or the pitcher gets too warm.

If it sits on the kitchen table during meals or outdoors in the sun when you barbecue, there's always a risk of mold forming in the lid opening. Regular cleaning is the best way to foreclose mold growth.

Remove Mineral Build-upward

Filter pitchers are made of hard, food-condom plastic. Non-toxic, they won't leach chemicals as long equally they're used but for cold water.

But different the flexible, semi-opaque plastics used in cheap 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 water supply, tend to scratch and cling to the surface, making information technology cloudy similar an old automotive headlight.

This build-upward isn't hazardous, but information technology affects the look of your pitcher and eventually, the taste of filtered water.

How to Make clean a Brita Filter Bullpen

Near water filter pitchers are similar in blueprint, so you can apply these instructions regardless of brand. Permit'south roll up our sleeves.

#1 Gather Supplies

Preparation is a time-saver, and then have the post-obit supplies handy to wash your filter pitcher:

#iii Not-annoying Sponge

Scrubbing pitchers with an annoying sponge made for stainless steel pots tin permanently scratch the delicate plastic. Non-abrasive sponges labeled for glass stovetops are a improve option.

#four Mild Dish Soap

Manufacturers recommend mild dish detergent for cleaning filter pitchers. Harsh chemicals can harm some plastics and go out an unpleasant tasting residue. Stick with basic dishwashing detergent with no additives like hand moisturizers.

#5 White Vinegar

If you demand something stronger than dish soap to remove mold or mineral build-up from your Brita pitcher, mix 1 teaspoon white vinegar per cup of water in a spray bottle. Non-toxic, it kills mold and restores a smooth to articulate plastics.

#vi Soft Toothbrush

Brita pitchers have nooks and crannies in the water reservoir and carafe that tin can be difficult to access with a sponge. Instead, use a soft toothbrush.

#7 Newspaper Towels

We don't similar creating waste, but dish towels tin scratch pitchers. Nosotros recommend using paper towels to dry out the carafe. They're absorbent and maintain the finish.

Installing a New Filter Cartridge

A standard filter only lasts a few months, so you should supervene upon it every three-6 cleanings. It'due south an piece of cake way to remember the maintenance schedule.

If it's time to replace your filter cartridge, have 1 ready before you start cleaning. But don't prime number it yet. One time wet, a Brita bullpen filter should remain moist, so don't rinse information technology until after your pitcher has dried.

#i Detach the Bullpen

Take the pitcher apart and discard the water. Toss the onetime filter cartridge if it's time for a replacement. If non, set up it aside. You can rinse it and reuse information technology after. Only put it in a plastic bag to keep it moist if you expect the cleaning procedure to take more than than half an hour.

#ii Wash the Pitcher

Hand wash the carafe, water reservoir and pitcher cap in warm soapy water, examining each part for signs of mold or mildew. Use the toothbrush to access difficult-to-reach areas.

Filter pitchers with a chrome lid require special care. According to the manufacturer's instructions, for example, the Brita Pitcher'southward chrome lid should be wiped cleaned with a newspaper towel or soft cloth.

#three Rinse and Repeat?

Rinse your water pitcher thoroughly with warm water, specially in the crevices where soap residue can hide. If you lot're not satisfied with the results, echo the procedure. It's better to deep clean it twice than to become overboard with scrubbing one time.

#four Dry the Pitcher

The best fashion to completely dry your pitcher is to let the carafe and h2o reservoir air dry out upside down in your drying rack. Putting the pitcher upside down helps information technology drain and dry faster.

It's also easier to air dry the lid than to practice it with a dish towel. It removes more than moisture and discourages mold growth.

#5 Prime number the New Filter

Brita makes a diverse line of filter pitchers with unlike cartridges and slightly priming instructions. The same is true with nearly major players in the industry.

In general, the process requires flushing the filter with cold water before it's installed to actuate the carbon and become rid of carbon dust. Hot water can harm some filter cartridges, so using just cold h2o 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 y'all that step. Every bit always, refer to the new filter instructions.

#6 Install the Filter Cartridge and Reassemble the Pitcher

Your bullpen'southward filtration ability depends on a properly seated filter. Information technology should sit firmly in the water reservoir to forbid unfiltered water with contaminants from leaking past the assembly.

Once the new filter is installed, make full your pitcher to the make full line with cold tap h2o. As role of the priming process, some makers propose discarding the first batch.

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

Final Thoughts

Brita h2o filter pitchers are engineered to provide years of reliable service without all-encompassing maintenance. Just remember one rule — a cleaner pitcher means better-tasting h2o.

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