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Cleaning Drink Containers
Cleaning a Brita Water Pitcher: Step by Step Guide Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Take the pitcher apart and remove the filter. 2 Wash the lid and reservoir with soapy water. 3 Wash the pitcher with warm, soapy water. 4 Clean mildew and limescale with vinegar and water. 5 Rinse the pieces well and air dry them. 6 Rinse the filter or grab a new one. 7 Reassemble the pitcher. + Show 4 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Ashley Matuska and Hannah Madden
Last Updated: October 29, 2024 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 255,974 times.
If you have a Brita pitcher at home, you know just how great they are at filtering water. But just like any other item in your kitchen, your pitcher needs a good cleaning from time to time. Fortunately, cleaning your pitcher is easy: just disassemble it, hand wash all the parts with mild soap, rinse well, and let your pitcher air dry. For fresh, great-tasting water, read on!
Things You Should Know
Take apart the pitcher and remove the filter. Wash all the pieces except for the filter with mild dish soap and warm water.
Clean mildew by making a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Wash all pieces with the mixture, then rinse well.
Let all the pieces air dry before reassembling.
Steps
1
Take the pitcher apart and remove the filter.
Download Article
Disassemble the pitcher to clean every piece. No matter what kind of Brita you have, disassembling it is easy. Start by removing the lid, then take the reservoir, or the piece that holds the filter, out of the pitcher. Finally, remove the filter and set it aside, or throw it away if it’s time to replace it.[1]XResearch source
The filter doesn’t need to be washed, but you can rinse it off with warm water if you’d like to. Then, just set it aside. Soap can get stuck inside the filter, leading to soapy water.
Advertisement 2
Wash the lid and reservoir with soapy water.
Download Article
Use a mild dish soap to clean your Brita pitcher. Rinse the lid and the reservoir with warm water, then use a mild dish soap and a rag or a sponge to wipe them down. Be sure to get into every nook and cranny to tackle germs and bacteria. Avoid using anything abrasive, as that could damage your Brita pitcher.[2]XResearch source
For pitchers with electronics in the lid, be sure to not submerge them in water.
3
Wash the pitcher with warm, soapy water.
Download Article
Warm and soapy water will clean your Brita in no time. Rinse out the inside with warm water, then use mild dish soap and a sponge or a cloth to wipe it out. Wipe down the outside and the handle as well to clean your entire pitcher thoroughly.[3]XResearch source
Brita pitchers are not made to withstand the high temperatures in the dishwasher, so always wash them by hand. Putting a Brita in the dishwasher could cause it to warp.
Advertisement 4
Clean mildew and limescale with vinegar and water.
Download Article
Use vinegar to naturally clean your Brita without damage. If you’ve had your Brita pitcher for a while, you might notice some scummy mildew or white limescale as you clean. To remove either one, create a 1:1 ratio with warm water and white vinegar, then pour it into the pitcher. Scrub the inside well, then rinse the pitcher out.[4]XResearch source
White vinegar is a natural, non-abrasive cleaning agent that will kill mildew and remove limescale without damaging your Brita.
If you don’t have white vinegar on-hand, use apple cider vinegar instead.
5
Rinse the pieces well and air dry them.
Download Article
Use warm water to rinse, then let your Brita dry before reassembly. Make sure you get all of the soap out of each part before moving on. Set the pieces on a towel, and place the pitcher itself upside down so it dries faster.[5]XResearch source
While wiping down your pitcher with a towel might speed up drying time, it’s actually not recommended. Wiping out your Brita pitcher with a cloth or paper towel could leave minute fibers behind that get into your drinking water.
Advertisement 6
Rinse the filter or grab a new one.
Download Article
Prepare your filter to replace it in the pitcher. If you’re using the same filter, quickly rinse it with warm water and let it air dry. If you’re using a brand new filter, unwrap it from the packaging and set it aside before you reassemble your pitcher.[6]XResearch source
Old model Brita filters may require a pre-soak, but newer models don’t. Check the instructions on the filter package to see if you need to soak your filter before installing it.
How often you replace your filter depends on the type of filter you have. Standard filters typically need to be replaced every 1 to 2 months, while long-lasting filters need to be replaced every 6 months.
7
Reassemble the pitcher.
Download Article
Put your pitcher back together to start drinking water again. Place the reservoir back into the pitcher itself, then reinstall the filter or replace it with a new one. Put the lid on top and fill the reservoir with water to enjoy a delicious glass of filtered water.[7]XResearch source
Brita recommends washing your pitcher about once a month.
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Expert Q&A
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Question How do you get rid of mineral buildup in a Brita pitcher? Ashley Matuska Professional Cleaner Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University. Ashley Matuska Professional Cleaner Expert Answer If you see mineral buildup in your pitcher, soak it in vinegar and water. Pour out the vinegar, then wash the pitcher with soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 25
Question How do I take the pitcher apart? Community Answer Put a flat screwdriver under the tab at the handle and gently twist it. The filter reservoir should then pop loose. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 72 Helpful 100
Question How far should I fill the pitcher if there isn't a fill line? Community Answer I would fill the pitcher until there's about one inch of space left at the top. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12
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Co-authored by: Ashley Matuska Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University. This article has been viewed 255,974 times. 14 votes - 85% Co-authors: 7Updated: October 29, 2024 Views: 255,974 Categories: Cleaning Drink ContainersArticle SummaryX
To clean your Brita water pitcher, you’ll need to take it apart and wash all of the pieces by hand. Unfortunately, Brita water pitchers aren’t dishwasher safe. Start by taking off the lid and washing it in your sink with hot water and dish soap. Remove the filter from the top and set it aside on a clean surface so it doesn’t get contaminated. Then, take out the water reservoir and wash it with dish soap, hot water, and a soft cloth. Wipe the inside and the outside of the reservoir with the cloth. After that, you can wash the pitcher by hand under hot water. Use dish soap and a soft cloth to wipe the surface of the pitcher on the inside and outside. Finally, rinse all of the pieces under cool water to wash away the soap and reassemble them. For tips about how to rinse the filter of a Brita pitcher, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Kay Comiskey
Apr 28, 2018
"My very old, good Pur water pitcher needed to be cleaned because I saw some mold. I've been looking on how to thoroughly clean the pitcher. I learned bleach is bad for plastic, but vinegar is OK. Perplexed how mold could grow on a refrigerated pitcher."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ashley Matuska Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 7Updated: October 29, 2024 Views: 255,97485% of readers found this article helpful. 14 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote
Kay Comiskey
Apr 28, 2018
"My very old, good Pur water pitcher needed to be cleaned because I saw some mold. I've been looking on how to thoroughly clean the pitcher. I learned bleach is bad for plastic, but vinegar is OK. Perplexed how mold could grow on a refrigerated pitcher."..." more
Joanne Johnson
Sep 27, 2020
"I now will leave water at RT for only one week. And will wash the pitcher once a month."
Janie Neuman
Aug 2, 2020
"Helped me taking the pitcher apart and good instructions about cleaning it. Thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Take the pitcher apart and remove the filter. 2 Wash the lid and reservoir with soapy water. 3 Wash the pitcher with warm, soapy water. 4 Clean mildew and limescale with vinegar and water. 5 Rinse the pieces well and air dry them. 6 Rinse the filter or grab a new one. 7 Reassemble the pitcher. + Show 4 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Ashley Matuska and Hannah Madden 
How to Clean Top and Bottom-Loading Water Coolers 
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Co-authored by: Ashley Matuska Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University. This article has been viewed 255,974 times. 14 votes - 85% Co-authors: 7 Updated: October 29, 2024 Views: 255,974 Categories: Cleaning Drink Containers Article SummaryX
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Disassemble the pitcher to clean every piece. No matter what kind of Brita you have, disassembling it is easy. Start by removing the lid, then take the reservoir, or the piece that holds the filter, out of the pitcher. Finally, remove the filter and set it aside, or throw it away if it’s time to replace it.[1] 
Use a mild dish soap to clean your Brita pitcher. Rinse the lid and the reservoir with warm water, then use a mild dish soap and a rag or a sponge to wipe them down. Be sure to get into every nook and cranny to tackle germs and bacteria. Avoid using anything abrasive, as that could damage your Brita pitcher.[2] 
Warm and soapy water will clean your Brita in no time. Rinse out the inside with warm water, then use mild dish soap and a sponge or a cloth to wipe it out. Wipe down the outside and the handle as well to clean your entire pitcher thoroughly.[3] 
Use vinegar to naturally clean your Brita without damage. If you’ve had your Brita pitcher for a while, you might notice some scummy mildew or white limescale as you clean. To remove either one, create a 1:1 ratio with warm water and white vinegar, then pour it into the pitcher. Scrub the inside well, then rinse the pitcher out.[4] 
Use warm water to rinse, then let your Brita dry before reassembly. Make sure you get all of the soap out of each part before moving on. Set the pieces on a towel, and place the pitcher itself upside down so it dries faster.[5] 
Prepare your filter to replace it in the pitcher. If you’re using the same filter, quickly rinse it with warm water and let it air dry. If you’re using a brand new filter, unwrap it from the packaging and set it aside before you reassemble your pitcher.[6] 
Put your pitcher back together to start drinking water again. Place the reservoir back into the pitcher itself, then reinstall the filter or replace it with a new one. Put the lid on top and fill the reservoir with water to enjoy a delicious glass of filtered water.[7] 
Ashley Matuska Professional Cleaner Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University. 
Community Answer Put a flat screwdriver under the tab at the handle and gently twist it. The filter reservoir should then pop loose. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 72 Helpful 100 
Community Answer I would fill the pitcher until there's about one inch of space left at the top. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12 
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