Charcoal water filters don't typically require cleaning in the same way a physical filter might. Instead of cleaning, they are designed to be replaced. The activated carbon within the filter becomes saturated with impurities over time, reducing its effectiveness. The recommended replacement schedule varies by manufacturer, but is often around 60 days or after filtering a specific volume of water (e.g., 10.6 gallons). Some manufacturers even offer automatic filter replacement services. [See the Breville example below].
Replacing Your Charcoal Water Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process usually involves these steps:
- Turn off the device: Disconnect the water filter from the water source or appliance.
- Unscrew or remove: Carefully remove the old charcoal filter cartridge following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Install new filter: Install a fresh charcoal filter cartridge, ensuring it's properly seated.
- Flush the system: Run some water through the system to rinse away any loose carbon particles. (This is not cleaning the old filter; it's preparing the system for the new one).
Breville Example: The Breville USA YouTube video mentions replacing the filter after 60 days or 10.6 gallons of water usage. They also suggest subscribing to an automatic replacement service for convenience. [This emphasizes replacement, not cleaning].
Cleaning Improvised Charcoal Filters (Not Commercial Filters):
This section addresses cleaning a homemade or improvised charcoal filter, which is different from replacing a commercial filter. Information from the provided links suggests several methods for cleaning activated carbon used in a DIY filter:
- Rinsing: Rinse the activated carbon with clean water until the water runs clear. This removes loose debris but doesn't necessarily restore the filter's full capacity.
- Reactivation: For some types of activated carbon, such as Binchotan charcoal, reactivation through heating is possible. This process may help restore some of its filtering power. [See the Black Blum product description].
- Solution Soak: Soaking in warm water with lemon juice and salt can provide a deeper clean, but the effectiveness may vary. [See Living Whole's method].
Important Considerations: Attempting to clean a commercial charcoal water filter beyond rinsing will likely void any warranties and may compromise its safety and effectiveness.
