How often do you change the filter in a Brita water pitcher?

Author: Miss Felipa Lindgren  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Replace your Brita Stream® Filter every 40 gallons, or about every 2 months. If you have hard water, you may need to change filters more often. When you install a new filter, use your built-in electronic filter indicator or SmartLight™ filter indicator so you'll know exactly when to replace it.

How do I know if my Brita filter needs replacing?

Filter Life Indicator: If your Brita pitcher has a filter change indicator, it will alert you when it's time to replace the filter, typically after filtering about 40 gallons of water or every two months.

Can you leave a Brita filter 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.

Can you clean and reuse Brita water filters?

Buy a replacement. Brita filters are not reusable. The can be partially recycled, but not reconstituted. The contain a surface screen followed by an in-depth filter material followed by interalia activated charcoal. The only portion 'back washable' is the outer surface screen part, the rest is loaded up and used up.

What is the lifespan of a Brita pitcher?

This is the most common Brita filter, usually identified as the “white ones.” They're used in pitchers, faucets, and dispensers, having the capacity to remove foul odor and bad taste. Regarding its efficacy period, you should change this filter every two months or after using 40 gallons of water.

How Often to Change Brita Water Filters ?

Can you drink tap water with Brita?

BRITA water filter systems are designed for use only with municipally treated tap water or with water from private supplies that has been approved safe to drink.

What happens if you don't change the Brita filter?

The filter is an important part of a water filtration system. A weak water filter cannot effectively filter out impurities like heavy metals, bacteria, lead, and more. This is why you should check and change the filter regularly. Water from a weak filter tastes like tap water, with a funny taste and odor.

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.

Why does my Brita water taste weird?

If you are a new BRITA Maxtra+ user it is quite normal to notice a difference in the taste of filtered water. The new BRITA Maxtra+ cartridge has the capability to remove up to 20% more limescale from your water which when the cartridge is at its newest can appear to make the taste a little sharp for some people.

Which water filter pitcher is best?

Our Picks
  • Best overall water filter pitcher. ZeroWater pitcher. View details. ...
  • Best Brita water filter. Brita Standard pitcher. View details. ...
  • Most stylish water filter pitcher. Aarke Water Purifier. ...
  • Best pitcher for adding alkaline to your water. Seychelle pH20. ...
  • Best low-maintenance water pitcher filter. Waterdrop 10-cup.

Should you refrigerate a 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 Brita better than 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 water sitting in a Brita go bad?

If you do not change your water filter after 40 gallons of Brita or every 2 months, bacteria will grow in your filter or get mixed into your water.

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.

Should a Brita filter always be wet?

The inside of my filter cartridge is damp. What should I do? Don't worry, it's completely normal. Whether it's damp or dry has no effect on the water filter's performance.

How can you tell if Brita filter is bad?

A green blinking light indicates that the filter is good. A yellow light indicates the filter should be replaced soon, while a red light blinking indicates the filter should be replaced. Filter performance is not certified after 40 gallons.

Can you drink water right after changing the filter?

As long as you have followed the proper instructions to flush your new water filter with three gallons of water, you can usually drink the water right after you've finished the replacement. Check the instructions for your filter to make sure.

What is the best water filter for your home?

The Best Water Filters

We found the iSpring RCC7 is the best under-sink option for most people. It scored at the top for contaminant removal and taste and is relatively inexpensive to operate. Our favorite pitcher is the ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher. It scored well for both taste and contaminant removal.

Which supermarkets recycle Brita filters?

However, if you use a BRITA branded water filter you can recycle used filters in collection boxes at most Sainsbury's, Robert Dyas and Tesco stores, as well as many other large retailers and independent stores. Some collection boxes will accept any brand of water filter, check in your local area for more information.

Is it safe to drink water from an old filter?

Depending on your filter type, after 2 months, 6 months or 6 years, your filter could be covered in bacteria, rendering it unable to perform up to optimal spec, and turning it into a petri dish for all other contaminants to thrive, and those very contaminants that you tried to prevent from entering your house will be ...

What can you do with old water filters?

Composting. If it's in compressed “carbon block” form, like one of our USC2000 filters, crush it up and mix it into compost or soil - it also works very well in pot plants. The carbon won't just sit in the soil passively but will positively add to it by increasing aeration, and water retention.

Why is Brita in a lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleges that by writing on their labels that their filters “Reduce 3X contaminants,” Brita has falsely given consumers the impression that the filter removes “arsenic, chromium-6, nitrate and nitrites” and other chemicals, including PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” It does not mention misleading ...

How do I know when my Brita filter needs to be replaced?

It's a good idea to replace your Brita filter as soon as it begins to slow down or when the indicator light (if your pitcher has one) indicates that it's time to change the filter.

Is Brita or PUR better?

The PUR filter removes more contaminants compared to the Brita filter. However, during our taste tests and TDS tests Brita performed notably better. Both Brita & PUR offer a variety of pitcher sizes and types.

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