Cleaning a Brita Water Pitcher: Step by Step Guide

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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.
1

Take the pitcher apart and remove the filter.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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.
    2. Advertisement
2

Wash the lid and reservoir with soapy water.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • For pitchers with electronics in the lid, be sure to not submerge them in water.
3

Wash the pitcher with warm, soapy water.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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.
    2. Advertisement
4

Clean mildew and limescale with vinegar and water.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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.
    2. Advertisement
6

Rinse the filter or grab a new one.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • 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.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Clean-a-Brita-Pitcher-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
    • Brita recommends washing your pitcher about once a month.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    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 10 Helpful 21
  • 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 67 Helpful 97
  • 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 11
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Get Rid of Mold in a Water Bottle
      How to
      Clean a Vacuum Thermosflask That Has Stains at the Bottom
      How to
      Clean the Inside of a Bottle
      How to Clean a Metal Water Bottle the Right Way
      The Best Ways to Clean & Sanitize a New Water Bottle
      How to
      Clean Travel Bottles
      How to
      Fill a Flask
      How to
      Clean a Vacuum Flask
      How to
      Clean a Nalgene Bottle
      How to
      Clean a Brita Water Bottle
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1UWj-o3GXk&t=12s
      2. ↑ https://www.brita.com.au/faq/brita-products
      3. ↑ https://www.brita.com/support/faqs/pitchers/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-water-cooler/
      5. ↑ https://www.brita.com/support/faqs/pitchers/
      6. ↑ https://www.brita.com/support/faqs/pitchers/
      7. ↑ https://www.brita.com.au/faq/brita-products

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 233,329 times.

      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 ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement