Can you leave a Brita filter on the counter?

Author: Casandra Green  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

How long can I store water in my Brita® pitcher? Store your Brita® pitcher in a cool, dim place. Don't keep your Brita in bright sunlight, as it can cause algae to grow. Keep your Brita in the refrigerator if you plan to be away for longer than a couple of days.

Is it okay to leave Brita on the counter?

Most manufacturers do recommend refrigeration, though not always with an emphasis on health and safety. "We recommend that you store your Brita system in the refrigerator to get cold, great-tasting water," reads the manual for the Brita Smart Pitcher OB39/42632, a top performer in our latest water filter review.

How long can a Brita filter sit unused?

Do unused filters expire? The shelf life of an unused Brita® filter is indefinite as long as its pouch is intact and sealed.

How long can filtered water sit on the counter?

How Long Will Filtered Water Last at Room Temperature? If you leave unrefrigerated filtered water open in a room temperature environment, then it is safe to drink for up to 12 hours. Then carbon dioxide from the air eventually starts to mix in with the water, changing its taste.

Do Brita filters need to be kept in the fridge?

What is the best way to store BRITA filtered water? Store your BRITA filtered water in a cool place, such as the fridge. Also, protect your BRITA product from direct sunlight to avoid algae and consume the filtered water within one day.

Brita Water Filter Lawsuit - Tod Cooperman, MD

How do you store a Brita filter when not in use?

Filters should be kept in the sealed Brita® bag and stored in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use it. If your Standard (white) Brita® Filter is more than a year old, we recommend soaking it for 15 minutes before first use.

Is it okay to leave the water filter out of the refrigerator?

If the filter is clogged and you are not able to immediately replace it, leave the filter out so the water system is in bypass mode. With the filter removed, the water system will continue to operate, bypassing the filter, and the clogged filter will not cause slow water dispensing or low ice production.

Can you drink water that has been left out overnight?

On its own, a clean glass of water should be perfectly fine to drink from if it's only been left out overnight. However, it can taste a bit off because exposure to carbon dioxide in the air can cause its pH to lower, resulting in a flatter flavor.

Can a Brita filter get moldy?

Because Brita pitchers are constantly exposed to moisture, they can grow mold and mildew. Our handy guide will show you how to get rid of mold growth in your water filter, and we'll provide tips on keeping mold out of your drinking water too!

What happens if you leave water filter in too long?

Health Risks: Drinking from an old filter can expose individuals to harmful chemicals and heavy metals that the filter was initially designed to remove. This can lead to health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Do you throw out old Brita filters?

Do not put in the mixed recycling bins. Put in the Garbage or check out the TERRACYCLE mail-in recycling program. Brita® has teamed up with TerraCycle® to bring you a national recycling solution for Brita® filters, pitchers, dispensers, bottles, faucet systems, and packaging.

How often should a Brita pitcher be washed?

Wash your Brita pitcher about once per month with a mild detergent to ensure it stays sparkling clean and bacteria-free. Clean the pitcher, lid, and reservoir, and take out the filter before cleaning.

What is the difference between the blue and white Brita filter?

The ONLY difference is that the white filter is a Stage 2 and the blue filter is a Stage 3; and the only difference therein is that the Stage 3 (blue) one adds a mineral 'flavor' to the taste of the water, hence the term 'mineral core'. Otherwise, the filters are the same.

Is Brita safer than bottled water?

Filter water vs. bottled water. Although both filtered water and bottled water can provide healthier, better-tasting water, the cost-effectiveness and smaller environmental impact of filtered water beats out bottled water at every turn.

Can filtered water go bad?

As your stored filtered water shouldn't contain any chlorine, then bacteria will begin to grow - especially if exposed to sunlight or kept at a warm temperature. To enjoy it at its best, filtered water is always best drunk as soon as possible.

Do I have to rinse my Brita filter?

To clean a Brita filter, flush it with running water for a few seconds, which will remove any particles in the filter. Blue Brita filters can be directly inserted into the reservoir, but white and gray Brita filters should be rinsed with cold running water for 15 seconds before inserting them into the reservoir.

What to do if you accidentally drank moldy water?

A: If you find yourself drinking moldy water, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately. Mold contains many potentially harmful toxins and spores that can cause serious health problems if ingested.

What is the black stuff in my Brita pitcher?

- Seeing carbon particles in the pitcher or dispenser after several weeks of use is normal.

Can I drink 2 week old water?

According to Krogh, even an open glass of water that has been standing out for a number of days is safe to drink, provided it hasn't been contaminated with bacteria from dirty hands or saliva. It may taste flat and odd, but it is still safe to consume.

Is it OK to drink water that has been sitting overnight?

It's very unlikely that they'll cause you to be ill, but they just might not taste very good—especially if they've been left uncovered. That said, here are a few tips to follow if you want to be extra safe: Keep your water covered and in glass or metal containers.

Can you drink 20 year old bottled water?

The FDA has determined that commercially bottled water doesn't have a shelf life, since it comes from sanitary facilities subject to regular inspections and contains no additives to hasten spoilage.

How to prevent mold in Brita pitcher?

Preventing Mold in Your Brita Filter
  1. Regular Cleaning: Clean the pitcher or reservoir once a week with warm water and mild soap. ...
  2. Filter Replacement: Replace the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. ...
  3. Store in the Refrigerator: Mold grows more slowly in cooler environments.

How long should you keep a Brita pitcher?

The manufacturer can tell you what the maintenance recommendations are for the product you have. For example, Brita filter replacement recommendations range from every two to six months, or about every 40 to 120 gallons of water, depending on the product.

What do Brita filters not remove?

Your Brita Water Filter Isn't Removing These Contaminants
  • Lead.
  • Mercury.
  • Cadmium.
  • Benzene.
  • Asbestos.
  • Copper.
  • Zinc.
  • Pesticides/herbicides.

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