After that, it should be replaced. An Unbiased Deep Dive. But water pitcher filters dont last forever. Youre looking to get a new humidifier for healthier air for your family and help prevent dry itchy skin that dry air can cause. Depending on the size of the family and usage of the drinking water, you can choose the type of . After rinsing, place the filter on a clean towel to dry. I would suggest dumping the first 1 or 2 pitchers of water when you use the pitcher again as the baking soda may give it an odd taste. In most cases, this will mean that people can filter 40-120 gallons of water. The Answer Might Surprise You, Do Brita Filters Remove Chlorine? They state on their website that the filters can be stored indefinitely as long as they havent been used. In fact, if you have hard water, you may need to change your Brita filter even more often, as mineral deposits could build up and interfere with the filtration process. But if you haven't replaced the filter in several months (er, years), it's probably not working as well as you think. As long as you clean it and replace the filters regularly, the pitchers should last you for years. So, are Britas lifespan estimations accurate? Pay close attention to your filtered water usage for 1 week, and then you should be able to determine very closely, how soon you will use 40 gallons of filtered water. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. If your household filters much more or way less, feel free to adjust your schedule. PUR or Brita? Water Defense, 542 600 W, Provo, UT 84601 USA, (385) 314-3204. Because activated carbon does not completely remove all the contaminants that can cause unpleasant tastes in your water, if you have high levels of metals, salt, or chemicals, you will be much better off using a reverse osmosis drinking water system to purify your drinking water. If there are carbon particles in the water, fill and discard until there are no more. A Brita water pitcher filter will last roughly two months. Filters can last indefinitely as long as they are properly stored and the package is intact. How Much Does a Reverse Osmosis System Cost: The Ultimate Guide to Safe Drinking Water. ), 5 Benefits of Drinking a Gallon of Water a Day. In weeks. Brita filters can absorb moisture from the air, which can reduce their shelf life. Because at the end of the day, Brita filters do expire, but how fast they expire is another question. Brita filters are designed to dispense a certain amount of water per minute. Brita filters can last indefinitely as long as they are kept dry and in their original packaging. Brita currently has the following filters, with the following advertised lifespans, available to USA customers: Find out more about the Brita water filtration process in this guide. How Long Will A Brita Filter Remove Chlorine? link to Can You Drink Brita Water Right Away? Brita filter manufacturer has different products with varying lifespans. Per Brita recommendations, and unused, sealed Brita filter should be soaked for 15 minutes before using if the filter is more than 1 year old. Make sure to dry the filter before you send it. Brita states that their standard filter or bottle filter should be replaced every 40 gallons or 2 months, Faucet Mount Filter every 100 gallons or 4 months, and their long last filter, every 120 gallons or 6 months. It assumes that youve completely filled your pitcher every time you keep the lid open for more than 5 seconds. Most Brita filters have an indicator light that tells you when the filter needs to be replaced. If one person is using the Brita filter, it should last twice as long as the guidelines. The Brita Longlast Filter (blue) needs to be replaced after every 120 gallons, or approximately every six months. Hold the water filter under cold water from your faucet for. Haley is a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate. The Brita Stream filter can be used for 2 months before it should be replaced. Brita Filter Basics Filter Technology: Brita filters utilize a combination of carbon and ion exchange resin to reduce impurities in tap water. Hand-wash your pitcher system periodically with a mild dish soap (no abrasive cleaners). The only requirement for this very long shelf life is to keep the filter in the original packaging and protect the wrapper from being damaged. The key point to take away from this is that a Brita filter that is removing high levels of copper from your water due to corrosion of the copper plumbing in your home may not last very long before your water will develop a metallic taste to it. This timeline is based on two people drinking water. How long does a Brita filter last for two people? By understanding the lifespan of Brita filters, you can ensure optimal performance and make informed decisions about when to replace them, ultimately enjoying clean and refreshing filtered water. While storing it in the refrigerator is the preferred option, leaving it in a cool, dark place and drinking it is perfectly safe. Below are the most common types of Brita filters and when you should expect to change them. If you leave your pitcher filter in direct sunlight, you may get algae growth inside it. The key is to protect the filter media from becoming contaminated with moisture and airborne contaminants. Pitcher filters use gravity filtration theyre not powered by water pressure, so once a filter becomes too clogged, the flow rate will slow right down. So naturally, you may need to change your Brita water filter more or less often than they will. Keep your filters in their original packaging or an airtight container to protect them from moisture and contaminants. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. As an extra precaution, its important to rinse the filter with filtered tap water before each use and replace the filter every two months or as recommended. What Affects the Lifespan of a Brita Filter? Hear Us Out on This One. Do Brita filters expire? Both Brita & PUR offer a variety of pitcher sizes and types. Do not allow the package to be damaged or opened until you are ready to use the filter. Storing your filter in a cool, dry, and dark place can help prolong its service life. What Does a Brita Filter Remove Is Your Drinking Water Safe? The exact amount of chlorine in your water will affect how long the Brita filter can remove this chlorine. PUR vs. Brita - What's the Difference? Continue with Recommended Cookies. If youre looking for ways to make your Brita filter last even longer, follow these storage guidelines: keep your filter at room temperature (between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit) and relative humidity below 75 percent. Maintaining your Brita filter is an important part of keeping yourself, and your family healthy. The 15 Best Fire Pits to Upgrade Your Patio This Summer, A Huge iRobot Vacuum Sale Is Happening Nowand We Spy PureWow Readers' Favorite Roomba for Under $200, 15 of the Best Comforter Sets to Transform Your Bedroom Into a Cozy Haven, Summer House Ready? The gray steamed Brita Filter need to be replaced like . Many homeowners go through 40 gallons of water in 2 months or even less, and that means you'll have to replace it 6 times per year or more. Hi Paul. The Answer Might Surprise You Do Brita Filters Remove Chlorine? Everyone wants to live a healthier lifestyle, and most people are willing to do things that will make them healthy and fitter (As long as its easy to do). Chlorine gives water an unpleasant taste, and odor making it less desirable to drink. What factors affect a Brita filter lifespan, and how do you know when you need to replace your filter? If you do not feel that the filter is in all the way, remove it from the housing, make sure it is aligned correctly and re-insert again. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In any case, regularly changing out your Brita filter will help keep impurities out of your drinking water and provide optimum water treatment for you and your family. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. An old filter may add an unpleasant odor to your water as it passes through the filter. The filters are put together with glue that may get affected by the heat. One of the first indicators that your filter is spent is how long it takes to process the water. Discard the water (or use it to water plants). Remember to discard the first three pitchers of water, and always keep an eye on the filter indicator. These estimates, which come directly from the folks at Brita, can vary considerably, thoughnamely because the amount of water you run through the filter, not the amount of time it has been in place, is the key factor in determining when it's time to swap in a fresh filter. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If placed in regular garbage, they will go to the landfill, and they will not be accepted in most regular recycling bins. I checked every model of pitcher filter none of them have an expiration date or a Best if Used By date. No, you cant flush Brita filters to extend their lifespan. The average person will drink 10 to 15 gallons of water in a month. Filtered water is not only healthier for you, pulling out dangerous contaminants from tap water, but it is a convenient and easy way always to have water at your fingertips. Signs You Should Replace your Brita Filter. If the filter looks clean and it is not working, it is probably best just to replace it. On the other hand, if it is very clean, with little impurities, then you can expect it to last for as long as Brita recommends, possibly longer. You go into your kitchen for a nice cool drink of refreshing water just to find that someone used the last of the water in your Brita dispenser. No, an unopened Brita filter that is properly stored has an indefinite shelf life. Clearly Filtered states on their website that the filters can be stored indefinitely as long as they havent been used. Thoroughly clean the pitcher and then check out my article Why Does My Brita Filtered Water Taste Bad for more information. Moisture is a problem because it allows bacteria to grow on the filter media. Join our 1 Million+ strong water defense community and get updated on the latest product news & gear reviews. Otherwise, soak the filter in cold tap water for 15 minutes, and you should be able to continue using it. Not only does he write about durable and buy-it-for-life (BIFL) products, he gets hands-on to find the very best. After that, the carbon loses its ability to remove contaminants. Are you concerned about the quality and safety of your drinking water? The Standard Filter is made with activated carbon granules that typically last around two months in a gravity filter. To ensure you're getting the best possible filtration results with your Brita Elite Filter, keep a regular schedule for replacing it. Throwing out a filter every two to six months may feel wasteful, but luckily, Brita has partnered with TerraCycle to save filters from the landfill. We HATE spam. The Longlast+ filter will last 6 months and as much as 120 gallons of tap water. Brita is a highly popular choice for water filters, using products such as water pitchers, faucet attachments and individual bottles. I always recommend keeping replacement Brita filters on hand but not to overstock on them. Lets say your water usage is below average. Finally, the most obvious sign that youre using an expired Brita filter: its been two months (or six months, in the case of the Brita Elite) since you first installed the new filter. You're just a few simple steps from enjoying great-tasting Brita filtered water. Epic's filters are a little more expensive than your typical Brita filter ($44 compared to $9) but Epic's filters are designed to last up to 150 gallons. Britas gravity filters are particularly likely to give up before theyre supposed to and this isnt just a Brita problem. And the Brita Stream Filter (gray) should be replaced after every 40 gallons or about every two months. Your Brita filter is rated for two months of use. Brita, like all manufacturers, estimates its filters lifespans based on a certain test water quality and average water usage. Rinse well. There are several factors that affect the lifespan of a Brita water filter, including: Your Water Quality Steven Doyle is a freelance writer specializing in high-quality information-driven content. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'freewateradvice_com-netboard-2','ezslot_31',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freewateradvice_com-netboard-2-0');Start by washing your hands thoroughly, and have a few clean paper towels handy. Brita filters do not expire. Take out the new sealed filter from the filter packaging. The exception to this is the blue Brita Longlast+ filter, which can be used for up to six months. Brita filter manufacturer recommends replacing the filter after 40 gallons of filtration or every two months, whichever comes first. If the flow rate noticeably drops off, its a sign your filter is at the end of its life. What Affects the Lifespan of a Brita Filter? Lets say your water usage is above average. As I mentioned above, it depends on how much water is filtered, but there are standard timeframes based on standard usage. To make things simpler, we've made two charts about how long each filter lasts. recycle Brita filters contact Brita to arrange for recycling, throw it in the trash although this isnt environmentally friendly, it is legal. If your filter is nearing the end of its lifespan anyway, wed recommend saving yourself the hassle and replacing it. Reading about the possible bacteria growth has now made me nervous about doing this. A filter captures a substance from going through it. The Brita LongLast+ filter is rated for 6 months, and the Stream filter should be replaced at least every 2 months. The Brita Longlast Filter (blue) needs to be replaced after every 120 gallons, or approximately every six months. AND WHY! After that, your water filter is ready to go. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic. The Longlast filter will last about six months and can purify up to 120 gallons. Similarly, they liked the LED indicator that alerted them when a filter change was necessary since so much time passed between changes, and they would forget. A Comprehensive Look. Even if your Brita filter is still filtering your water with a fairly good flow rate, if it has reached the end of its lifespan, its best to replace it to stay on the safe side. The service life of a Brita filter also depends on how much water you use. How Do I Know When to Replace My Brita Filter, How to change the Brita standard water pitcher filter. Amy enjoys hiking and water skiing with her husband and is grateful to have the opportunity to help others learn more about the importance of clean drinking water. Continue reading to learn more about how long Brita filters last and how to store them properly. Its not clear exactly what this is, but its more advanced than the activated carbon granules in the Brita Standard filter. A clogged gravity filter will reduce water flow rate to such an extent that you may have no choice but to replace the filter early. It should last as long as 2 months before you need to replace the filter. How to change Brita filters. Brita water filtration process in this guide, activated carbon has a lifespan of around two months in a gravity filter. because it will contain some carbon dust (aka, those black particles you see floating in the pitcher). A Look At The Numbers. She is passionate about clean drinking water and has written many articles on this subject. As previously mentioned, how often you should change a Brita filter depends entirely on how much water your family goes through. Hello Mary and thank you for the question. Brita Longlast Filter comes with a long-lasting lifespan. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Should Apples Be Frigerated? Leaving a Brita water filter in your dispenser for too long may mean that it will develop bacteria and make your water worse rather than better. Time. If you have three or more people using the filter, then you should change it every month to ensure that you are getting the best quality filtered water. The more you use your Brita filter, the sooner you are going to need to replace it. Eventually, the filters performance may be so hindered that you may as well be drinking normal tap water. October 27, 2021 by Todd Last Updated on 11 months by Brita filters are an excellent way to save money on your water bill. Replace your Brita filters every two months or when they are no longer effective at reducing contaminants in your water. If your filter has been in service for longer than that, its time to replace it. If you have a small family and dont use your Brita filter frequently, then it can last longer than advertised as fewer contaminants build up in the media. The shelf life of a Brita filter i.e. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Is spring water good for you? However, if youve had them for months or even years without opening them, you might want to pre-soak them for 15 minutes before using them. Plus, learn how to recycle those old filters and save them from the landfill. The Brita Standard and Stream filters can be used for 2 months or 40 gallons before they need to be replaced. Now lets say your water contains high levels of chlorine, heavy metals, and hardness minerals. But you might not use 40 gallons of water in two months. Learn More. How Long Does A Brita Water Filter REALY Last? On average, Standard and Stream Brita filters (i.e., the white and gray ones) can be used for roughly two months before they need to be replaced. Getting the best out of your Brita filter is mainly about changing the filter when it needs to be changed, but there are other things that you can do to keep your Brita filter working at optimum levels. It is important to understand that an activated carbon filter cartridge like the ones used in a Brita pitcher is not a filter at all. If you find your family requires more water than a filtering pitcher can provide and would rather have higher quality filtered water for around 3 cents per gallon, you may want to consider a reverse osmosis drinking water system for plenty of pure water without having always to be re-filling a pitcher. According to Brita they can last indefinitely as long as you keep them in their original packaging. You have thought about getting a Brita water filter, but how long do Brita water filters last? We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. How long do Brita water pitcher filters last? Keep your filters in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'freewateradvice_com-leader-2','ezslot_21',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-freewateradvice_com-leader-2-0');A Brita water filter uses carbon to remove chlorine from your water, but the carbon is not effective forever and high levels of chlorine can shorten the effective life of the carbon in a Brita water filter. Brita filters are great at removing contaminants that make your water taste bad. Otherwise, moisture can enter the filter allowing bacteria to grow, making the filter unfit to use. Return the cage to the lid with a firm twisting motion. If you allow your filter to dry out, it wont be able to filter your water correctly. If you have ever noticed white, chalky spots on your dishes, shower doors, or car windows, chances are you have hard water. Each filter has an estimated capacity and lifetime. If you notice black specks or sludge in your Brita filter cartridge, replace it immediately. So, how long do Brita filters really last? I think that this is why water-filtering pitchers have become so popular. Regularly scrubbing the bottle with dish soap and warm water can help extend its life. The standard Brita filter can last up to two months, depending on how often it is used and what type of water you are filtering.