If you clean your Brita pitcher filter infrequently or replace the filter cartridge often, mold can grow on it. Other potential sources of mold growth include using water from a well or just keeping the filter equipment exposed to dark conditions. Use a weak bleach solution to scrape the mold away. Quickly dispose of the contaminated cartridge.
A Brita pitcher filter is a significant investment if you want your water to taste and smell better. On the other hand, if your filter contains black mold patches, it means it has been compromised. Do not expect your Brita product to eliminate mildew or any other type of organic debris. You need to act quickly if you discover mold in your filter.
Here are the main steps involved in cleaning a Brita pitcher filter
- Disassemble the utensil
First things first, drain the pitcher and separate the product into its parts. Although it may appear simple, disassembling these carefully crafted items is quite challenging. Cleaning the inside of the pitcher, in particular, might become much more challenging. On the other hand, options like zero water pitchers are typically relatively easy to clean.
- Detaching the screen
Take your time removing the Brita filter’s particular tank; it’s an integral part of the device. In order to keep the pitcher clean, it is essential to change the screen periodically. So, replace it with a fresh screen for complete sanitization if you haven’t already.
Because it promotes the growth of unsanitary substances and bacteria if the filter screen is not changed on a regular basis, this is one of the primary arguments in favor of doing so. But if you don’t have a new screen, you’ll need to clean the filter well. This requires gentle rinsing with lukewarm water, followed by thorough drying in an environment free of pollutants.
- Wash the pitcher well
The crucial component will come when you have successfully dismantled the pitcher. To wash the individual parts of a Brita pitcher filter, you must first create a cleaning solution by mixing dish soap with water. You only need to immerse the pieces in the solution for optimal results for around an hour.
After this is complete, remove each component one by one and give it a good cleaning until you’re satisfied with the cleanliness. But if you’re short on dish soap, a high-quality detergent solution will do the trick for a more thorough cleanup.
- Scrubbing the mildew
After cleaning, if you still see mold, combine white vinegar and water in a basin. Next, immerse the components in the mixture and scrub until all mildew is removed.
- Rinse it and set it aside to dry
Once you’ve confirmed that the product is mold- and dirt-free, rinse each portion separately. Soaking the components individually in lukewarm water will yield the finest results. After that, find a spot with good ventilation to let the parts dry.
Be careful to wait until every piece is dry before putting the set back together. Removing it while the parts are damp will make future mildew growth easier. That’s why, just to be safe, you should always use a washcloth.
- Prepare the new filter
The need to soak the new screen before use will likely be eliminated in later versions of Brita pitcher filters. However, you should make use of the opportunity to prepare the new filter while the other pieces are put out to dry completely.
But the new screen is a breeze to construct after getting the hang of the manual. However, you may need to put in more effort if you’re using an older pitcher.
- Reassemble the pitcher
As you might expect, the last thing to do is put everything back together. You should fill it with water and disperse it before using it normally again. This aids in removing any carbon dust that may have been lodged inside the pitcher’s brim. In the end, your Brita pitcher filter will be spotless.
Tips for Cleaning a Brita Pitcher Filter
- Avoid immersing the filter monitor’s electrical components
You shouldn’t immerse the digital filter monitor that came with a Brita pitcher filter in the cleaning solution. Doing so will destroy the electrical parts and void your warranty. After a quick wash in warm water, remove it from the water and allow it to air dry. Then, put it back on the pitcher.
- Clean with a rag or sponge
Scratches are easy to make on the plastic surfaces of the Brita pitcher filter. You can ruin the pitcher’s shiny finish using a bristle brush. While cleaning, make sure you use a sponge or rag.
- You shouldn’t use soap to clean the filter
Reusing the filter is as simple as rinsing it. You will never be able to remove all of the soap residue by using it to clean it. The result will be an unpleasant, soapy flavor in your water.
Why Do Brita Filters Get Mold, and How to Remove It
Why it gets mold
Organic matter in water
Lastly, because mold grows on organic materials, a high concentration of organic substances in the water will increase the likelihood that a Brita pitcher filter will have mold.
Humid conditions
The pace at which mold grows in a Brita pitcher filter may also depend on where you keep it.
Humidity is essential for mold growth. Thus, it’s likely that your pitcher will be destroyed if stored in a humid space (like a kitchen that produces a lot of steam from cooking).
Not cleaning enough
Moldy Brita filters are most frequently caused by a failure to clean them on a regular basis. Mold can grow on the walls and inside the filter cartridge if you don’t clean and replace the filter as directed.
When you don’t replace the filter regularly, it is particularly vulnerable to mold growth. This is because it stays wet all day, providing the perfect environment for mold spores to multiply.
How to Remove Mold from a Brita Filter
- Take safety measures
Wear protective gear like a mask and cleaning gloves to reduce contact with mold spores.
- Removing the filter
Remove the Brita pitcher’s filter by unscrewing the housing.
- Washing everything
Fill a basin with hot water and dish soap to clean the filter housing, pitcher, and lid. Use an old toothbrush or sponge to remove the mold from the components. Pay close attention to the nooks and crannies.
- Rinse and dry
After rinsing, set the components aside to dry naturally.
- Replacing the filter
Before installing the replacement filter into the housing, make sure to flush with flowing water.
- Filter a batch of water
Fill the Brita pitcher filter with water, let it filter for a while, and then pour off the filtered water.
Can vinegar clean water filters?
You can clean water filters with vinegar if you want to extend their life a bit before throwing them out. However, this may not be a long-term solution. This is because filters get old, and the activated carbon gets too degraded to work anymore.
Conclusion
Any decent water pitcher will be clean. Both you and the pitcher’s filter will benefit from a thorough cleaning. Leaving your pitcher uncleaned for an extended period of time can have adverse effects on your health. The ability of your water filter to remove potentially harmful substances from your tap water will diminish as dirt accumulates on it. Actually, it could accomplish the opposite and introduce germs to the water you drink. The pitcher filter is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria because of its damp atmosphere. Therefore, protect your health by keeping your Brita pitcher filter clean.