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How to Clean a Refrigerator Water Filter? [Step by Step]

Published by: Paulo Baker

How to Clean a Refrigerator Water Filter

Nowadays, people are opting for refrigerators with an in-built water filter to minimize plastic wastes and expenditures from disposable water bottles. It is indeed a great option as water filters provide the safest drinking water. A refrigerator water filter seems to be appealing until you have to clean it.

You may find cleaning your refrigerator water filter intimidating. But, trust me, it is relatively simple than you think. This guide will help you with all the necessary steps that you can take to clean a refrigerator water filter.

Importance of Cleaning the Refrigerator Water Filter

A water filter generally removes the contaminants from your water.

Chlorine is added to the water supply to remove any bacteria or parasites that can make you ill. So, tap water contains chlorinated water. The water filters thus help to get rid of chlorine and other toxic metals from your drinking water. 

Since a water filter is used to remove harmful particles every day, the efficiency of the filter reduces. It is due to the residues, calcification, and other particles that remain in the filtration system. In simpler terms, your water filter gets blocked.

If you clean your filter regularly, you will restore the state of the water filter and make it efficient in filtering the water again.

How to Clean a Refrigerator Water Filter

You can follow the steps given below to clean your refrigerator water filter:

  1. First and foremost, switch off your refrigerator and unplug it.
  2. Turn the water supply faucet off entirely. The faucets may be located behind your refrigerator. If you don’t find it, turn off the main water supply for some time. 
  3. Detach the filter’s water stripe from both the faucet and the fridge. If your refrigerator has an in-built ice maker, there will be two water stripes. It’s okay if you are confused. Just take out both the water stripes and clean them thoroughly. 
  4. Soak the water stripes in a mixture of warm water and vinegar or a mild cleanser. To do this, close one end of the water stripe and pour the solution through the other end using a funnel. Seal both sides and let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes.
  5. Now, it is time to clean your canister. They are generally located at the bottom of the fridge, in the fridge door, or the grill. To discover the canister, you can also refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
  6. Remove the canister by holding the top firmly and rotating it counterclockwise.
  7. Tap the residues out of the canister in the trash can.
  8. Then, soak the canister the same way as you have soaked the water stripes. You can even buy a cleaning solvent specially made for refrigerators. Let it rest for 10 to 30 minutes.
  9. Dislodge the cleanser out of the water stripes and pour clean water through them until there is no residue left. 
  10. Run the water through the canister the same way as you clean the water stripes. Make sure that there is no sediment of cleanser left in the canister. 
  11. Position the canister and water stripes back and reattach them to the faucet and the fridge.
  12. Checking for the last time, turn on the water supply and let the water flow. Keep a bucket under the water dispenser of your fridge. Let it flush the water until the bucket is full.
  13. Lastly, wipe the dispenser with a clean cloth for that extra hygiene.

You can watch this quick video to clean a refrigerator water filter…

When is the Time to Clean a Refrigerator Water Filter

Mostly, people tend to wait for the indicator on their water filter to show that the device needs attention. Nevertheless, the person who regularly uses the fridge does not notice it immediately. Your refrigerator may be screaming an SOS for weeks. 

To avoid this situation, note down the date when you last get your refrigerator serviced and change the water filter every six months. If the water dispenser loses its effectiveness in filtering the water or you notice any difference in the taste, it is time to clean your refrigerator water filter.

You can even inspect the smell of the ice. If the ice from the refrigerator smells unpleasant than refreshing, you must clean your filter now. 

How Often Should you Clean a Refrigerator Water Filter

It is advisable to change the refrigerator water filter every six months. So, check your water filter every three months whether it requires any cleaning or maintenance services. 

You should clean your water filter regularly to increase the life of your filter. It is only applicable if there is no damage to the filter or any other part. Moreover, you don’t want to compromise your health by drinking unfiltered water. Right?

Conclusion

The refrigerator water filter should be cleaned regularly to avoid contamination of the water.

Cleaning it will eventually make your drinking water taste better. It will restore its effectiveness in filtering bacterial contaminants and heavy metals like lead and mercury from the water.

Thus, it will increase the shelf life of your water filter, thereby reducing the replacement costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my refrigerator water filter is clogged?

There are several ways to know that your refrigerator filter is clogged. It will turn on the emergency indicator to show that it needs some attention. Moreover, you can check the date on which you have installed the new filter. If the water flow has become slow or the water tastes unpleasant, it’s time to clean the filter as soon as possible.

What happens if you don’t change the water filter in the refrigerator?

If you don’t change the water filter in the refrigerator, it will cause the deposit buildup or scaling in the water and ice machine. It can damage your fridge severely. It will make the system ineffective, thereby decreasing the water flow and an unpleasant taste.

How long does the water filter last in the fridge?

A refrigerator water filter lasts for about six months. Hence, it should be replaced regularly. Ensure that you don’t leave the filter untreated for more than a year. It will become dangerous to use a carbon filter beyond its maximum capacity.

Do you really need a fridge filter?

Yes, it is necessary to have a water filter in your refrigerator as it helps remove harmful particles or contaminants and impurities that lead to bad taste or odor.

How effective are fridge water filters?

Refrigerator water filters are made up of carbon and are efficient in removing contaminants up to 20 microns. It means that it only eliminates impurities that affect the taste and smell of water. However, you should not rely on these filters for the removal of bacteria and other harmful elements.

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Article by:

Paulo Baker

Paulo is a senior writer at Dash Appliances, where he research, writes, and reviews home and commercial water filters. Paulo is covering home-related things like water filters, vacuum cleaners, and more since 2019. When he's not researching and testing, he's traveling and playing golf.

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