Why does my Brita filter smell musty?

Author: Zoey Gulgowski  |  Last update: Saturday, November 8, 2025

One of the parts inside is a soft rubbery material and it gets that mold smell and taste stuck in it. Once it's there is doesn't go away.

Why does my Brita smell musty?

Water filters can get mouldy, especially if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Mould is usually caused by moisture and dirt remaining inside the water filter, as well as the humidity of the surrounding environment.

Is it normal for Brita filters to have mold?

Several factors contribute to mold growth in a Brita filter system: Moisture: Since Brita filters are constantly exposed to water, they remain moist, which creates the perfect conditions for mold to flourish.

Why does my filtered water smell musty?

The most common cause for musty-smelling water is environmental factors like decaying organic matter. Pipe erosion may introduce small amounts of copper, iron, or lead into your water supply. With the exception of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria, causes of the musty smell are typically harmless.

How do you get the smell out of Brita?

How to Clean a Brita Pitcher
  1. Disassemble Pitcher. Take the unit apart, separating the pitcher from the lid and reservoir. ...
  2. Wash Pitcher, Lid, and Reservoir. Use a nonabrasive sponge or dishcloth to wash the pitcher, lid and reservoir with hot, soapy water. ...
  3. Rinse. Rinse all the parts with hot water.
  4. Dry and Reassemble.

Brita Water Filter Lawsuit - Tod Cooperman, MD

Why does my Brita smell funny?

One of the parts inside is a soft rubbery material and it gets that mold smell and taste stuck in it. Once it's there is doesn't go away.

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.

Is it OK to drink water that smells like mildew?

Typically algae will be filtered out of the water during the treatment process, but a residual smell often remains behind, and this is what you are experiencing. Although these algae blooms are not usually harmful to humans, water that tastes or smells of dirt is not pleasant to drink.

How do you get rid of musty water smell?

Vinegar: Put white vinegar in bowls and place the bowls throughout the room. The vinegar will remove the odor within a couple of days. Cat Litter: Put clean cat litter in small, open containers and place the containers around the room. Make sure you change the cat litter for better deodorization.

Does a musty smell mean there is water damage?

For mild mold growth, you can remove the mold using different methods. For large mold outbreaks, a professional mold remediation company can find the source of the mold issue, remove it, and help prevent future mold issues. Musty Smells: A musty odor smell is a key sign of water damage.

How to tell if a 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.

How to clean mildew out of Brita?

Take the pitcher apart to separate the lid and reservoir, and discard the filter. Wash the pieces with dish soap and warm water. Attack the mildew with a sponge and a mixture of one teaspoon white vinegar to one cup of water.

How long can water sit in a Brita?

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.

How to tell if there is mold in your Brita filter?

First, disassemble your Brita pitcher, and remove the filter. You may want to inspect the filter cartridge for black, green, or pink mold. If you spot mold, you will need to sanitize the filter separately, and wear protective gear like gloves and a mask to limit mold exposure, especially if you have mold allergies.

Can dirty air filter cause musty smell?

A clogged HVAC filter could be the cause of a persistent musty smell in the home. Many people are unsure how often to change air filters in their homes and put it off for too long, which can allow for a build-up of unwanted microscopic particles such as dust, mold spores, and bacteria.

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.

Why does my water filter smell musty?

Several factors can contribute to this problem: Chlorine residue: Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect tap water and kill bacteria. While it's necessary for water treatment, it can leave behind a noticeable odour. Filtration systems may not always completely remove this residue, leading to an unpleasant smell.

How do you get rid of a musty smell permanently?

How to get rid of musty smells in your home
  1. Regular ventilation. Ventilation can remove the musty air that causes a buildup of bad odours. ...
  2. Use an air purifier. ...
  3. Air fresheners. ...
  4. Baking soda. ...
  5. Eliminate moisture and keep the house dry.

Does vinegar remove musty smell?

To remove lingering musty odors, there are a few natural remedies to deodorize a space. You can achieve this using common natural ingredients you likely already own including baking soda, vinegar, activated charcoal, and vanilla extract.

How to fix musty smelling water?

A solution for removing musty smell is to sanitize your plumbing system, including your water softener, which your local EcoWater dealer can help with.

Is the smell of mildew harmful?

Like mold, mildew can cause health problems with prolonged exposure. While the fungi themselves are not toxic, certain species produce mycotoxins, which can cause mild-to-severe symptoms in humans.

How do you clean mildew out of water?

Hydrogen peroxide will work fine. Once it's soaked a little, scrub it with a brush and clean with soap and water.

How to clean moldy Brita pitcher?

Get Rid of Limescale and Mildew

Get rid of the built-up limescale and any mildew with a white vinegar and water solution. Mix about ⅓ cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water in a small bowl. Wet your sponge or cloth in the solution and then scrub the inside of the reservoir and lid.

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 to tell when a 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.

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