How to clean a refrigerator water filter
How to clean a refrigerator water filter. We always opt for clean drinking water as filtered water is healthy for our body and refreshing for our soul, but water filters also need cleaning after some months of use.
If not cleaned, dispenser lines are blocked, and they can do more harm than good as filters have certain age and require replacement after that.
Most people who own water filters assume it is hard to clean the filter, which isn’t difficult. Therefore, we came up with complete guide on how to clean a refrigerator water filter.
As technology is increasing day by day, people are going towards things that cost them less and save them effort and time and keep their health with clean water.
Built-in refrigerator water filters are safe to use, save you from plastic bottles, mineral water purchase and replacement time. (if you have a dispenser)
Do you still think it’s difficult? Don’t worry, as we have completely described how to clean a refrigerator water filter in this article.
You don’t have to hire a plumber for cleaning the fridge’s water filter! We have come up with a complete guide for cleaning water filters.
You have to go through just a few simple steps one by one, and you’ll be able to clean the fridge water filter conveniently.
How to Clean a Refrigerator Water Filter
Dish soap or vinegar water mixture can be used for this purpose. You can also use cleaners specifically made for the purpose of cleaning water filters.
Let the filter soak anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes, depending on how dirty it is. Then flush out the rest of the gunk using a gentle stream of water.
Unplug the Refrigerator Filter
Safety first, as you’ll be cleaning the inner part of the filter, you have to unplug the dispenser line attached before you do anything else with it.
Get the Required Tools Ready
You have to make sure that you have enough tools needed for the process. Generally, here are some of the tools needed for the process:
- Gloves.
- Screw Driver.
- Scrubbing Brush
- Soapy water
- A piece of cloth.
- Fridge’s manual for required machine.
Drain all the water from the filter and detach the main water valve (waterline) for proper maintenance.
First things first, turn off the water supply, and if the dispenser is heated or cooled, leave it for some time and let it cool down.
Turn off the water lines which are usually at the back of your fridge. If you can find water lines, you should turn off the main water supply valve till you are done.
Separate the water lines. Dip them into warm water and leave them for some time. It will help to open the lines completely and remove any sediment stuck inside the lines.
Take vinegar and close one end of the water line and put some vinegar in it. Close both ends and leave it for 15 minutes. After that, remove the residue inside funnel lines and clean them with tap water.
Then you have to locate the filter. Mostly, it is located at the bottom backside of the fridge. In some fridge models, it is located right behind the water filter. It’s better to go through the manufacturer’s manual to find where exactly the filter is.
Once you have located the filter, grab the top and rotate it anticlockwise to detach it. Pull the filter out. See if the filter has too much dirt and clog build-up, you can replace the filter.
Otherwise, take the trash can and tap the filter over it to remove large particles first.
Pretty simple, add the cleansing solution in warm water. Put the filter in the solution and leave it for 30 minutes. You can either use vinegar or dish soap. If not, there are many cleansing soaps out there you can choose any.
Meanwhile, use soap to clean the filter container with gentle scrubbing. Take a cloth and wipe the filter bucket with it afterwards.
Pull the soaked filter, take clean water, gently rub the filter with your hands, and keep applying the water to remove other deposits left. Leave it when flowing water becomes clean.
Leave the filter to fresh air and let it dry. Afterwards, put it back at its place, reassemble everything, and you are good to go.
How to clean the fridge’s plastic parts?
The recommended way is to clean plastic parts apart from others. You have to go through the following steps to clean the filter system:
- First, wash out the parts with simple water.
- Take some dish soap and hot water and mix them.
- Rinse the parts in a water mixture and gently scrub them with a piece of cloth.
- Wash the parts with tap water and let them dry, and you are good to go after that.
How often should you clean a fridge’s filter?
Cleaning or replacing the filter depends on contaminants such as iron, heavy metals, chloride etc., present in your water, water quality in your area and how often the fridge filter is used.
When the filter is used time by time, its efficiency decreases due to harmful contaminants covering the surface of the filter, causing it to form a complete dirt layer.
The cleansing of the filter restores the filter’s efficiency to almost a new condition and starts working efficiently.
Experts recommend changing the filter after 6 months of use, which means you can clean it almost 2-3 times in the meantime, increasing the filter’s life up to 2-3 months.
Why do you have to clean the refrigerator filter?
If drinking water is not purified contains harmful substances which harm the skin and body.
Water filters purify these harmful water contaminants and make water soft. The filtered residue is left in the filter.
Time by time, when the water is filtered, the amount of residue increases, forming a complete layer on the filter’s surface.
This trash can block the water from further filtration. You will have to clean up the formed layer to continue the filtration process.
The cleaned filter would work almost like a new one to keep you safe from harmful water contaminants.
Signs With Tell Us to Replace Filter
You don’t have to clean up the filter every time as it might need replacement. Following are the signs which indicate that you need filter replacement.
- Water taste is changed.
- Residue on the nozzle of the water dispenser.
- It’s been 6-8 months, and the filter is not changed.
- The water filter is taking a bit longer to fill up the glass of water.
- The filter’s indicator light is turned on, as many newer models come up with indication lights when the filter is clogged.
Benefits of Fridge Water Dispenser System
- Improved water taste.
- Save water bottles cost.
- Harmful contaminants free water, which is healthy for you and your family.
- On average, the bottle of mineral water can cost you 300-500 dollars monthly.
- Eco friendly; you know that plastic materials are not disposable, and we are not sure whether they are recycled or put into a waste dump.
Conclusion
How to clean a refrigerator water filter. We hope you found this blog post helpful! By following these steps, you will be able to clean your refrigerator water filter and have fresh, clean drinking water for your family.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to comment below.
Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!
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