Cleaning a Brita Water Pitcher: Step by Step Guide

Co-authored by Ashley Matuska and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 29, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

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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]
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- 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

Wash the lid and reservoir with soapy water.

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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]
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- For pitchers with electronics in the lid, be sure to not submerge them in water.

3

Wash the pitcher with warm, soapy water.

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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]
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- 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.

4

Clean mildew and limescale with vinegar and water.

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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]
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- 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.

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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]
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- 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.

6

Rinse the filter or grab a new one.

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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]
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- 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.

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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]
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- Brita recommends washing your pitcher about once a month.

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.

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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.

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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.

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