How to Clean a Brita Water Filter Pitcher (Step-by-Step Guide)

Brita filter pitchers make it easy and convenient to enjoy fresh, crisp, and clean water that’s devoid of contaminants, foul tastes, and off-putting odors. A standard Brita filter cartridge lasts for 40 gallons and the Longlast filters last for 120 gallons, so if you’re going through cartridges, you know that your pitcher is seeing some use.

But the more you use your filter pitcher, the more mess accumulates in and on it. You might not see it at first, but soon, the signs will be evident, and you’ll know that it’s time to give your Brita water filter pitcher a good cleaning.

If you find yourself in that position, then you’ll want to follow the steps we’re about to lay out. They’ll walk you through the process of cleaning your filter pitcher so that it looks and feels as good as it did when you first bought it.

What to Use

Thankfully, you’ll probably already have everything you need to clean your Brita filter pitcher on hand. You’ll be washing it with hot water and mild dish soap; any standard dish soap will do well, so long as it’s non-abrasive. Additionally, you’ll need a sponge or washcloth. That’s really all you need to get the job done.

Before You Start

There are a few things you’ll need to be aware of before you start cleaning the Brita water filter pitcher.

First, you’re going to have to disassemble your filter pitcher. This isn’t hard, but you’ll want to be careful as it could damage your pitcher if you do it wrong. Second, if you have a model with electronics in the lid, be careful not to submerge the lid, as it could ruin the electronics.

How to Clean a Brita Water Filter Pitcher

Cleaning your Brita water filter pitcher is a pretty simple process, requiring just five steps.

Step 1 – Disassemble

Before you can wash anything, you’ll have to take the pitcher apart. Start by removing the lid. Then, take out the filter. Set the filter aside. If it’s time to replace it, then you can trash the filter. Otherwise, set it on a sanitary surface so you don’t contaminate it while cleaning. You won’t need to clean the filter. Finally, remove the reservoir from the pitcher.

Step 2 – Wash the Lid

Once you have everything apart, it’s time to start cleaning. Start with the lid. Remember, if yours has electronics in the lid, don’t submerge it! Just wipe it off thoroughly with a damp, soapy cloth and be very careful when you rinse it off. If your lid is devoid of electronics, then you can submerge it without issue.

Step 3 – Wash the Reservoir

Next, be thorough about cleaning the reservoir, inside and out. There are plenty of nooks and crannies on the reservoir, so be certain to get inside of these with your soapy rag or sponge. When finished, rinse the reservoir off and set it aside to dry.

Step 4 – Clean the Pitcher

Now you’ll have to scrub the pitcher. The inside is most important, but don’t neglect the exterior. Use a non-abrasive sponge or washcloth and some dish soap and make sure you get into the bottom corners as well.

Step 5 – Rinse and Dry

Rinse off everything thoroughly, making sure that there’s no trace of soap remaining on anything. Then, set it all on a towel to dry. When it’s dry, you can reassemble your pitcher and put it to use again.

• Related Read: 5 Best Brita Water Filter Pitchers – Reviews & Top Picks

FAQ

Can you wash a Brita water filter pitcher in the dishwasher?

No! The heat from the dishwasher could easily warp and distort the pitcher. Afterward, it would be useless since the reservoir and lid would no longer fit correctly.

What’s the best type of soap to use for cleaning a Brita water filter pitcher?

You can use mild, non-abrasive dish soap on a Brita water filter pitcher.

Can you dry the pitcher with a paper towel so it’s ready to use faster?

It’s not recommended that you attempt to dry the pitcher with a paper towel or cloth. If you do, fibers could be left behind that will then end up in your water. Remember, anything in the pitcher will end up in your drinking glass!

• See also: PUR vs Brita: Which Water Faucet Filter is Better?

Conclusion

Cleaning your Brita water filter pitcher is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your filter pitcher in this manner every time you change the filter. It’s a good habit to get into, and it will ensure that your filter pitcher never becomes a visible mess. All you need to clean it is a sponge or rag and some dish soap, so you should already have everything you need right there in your kitchen.

• You might also be interested in: Brita Longlast Water Filter Pitcher Review