Concerned about the dishwasher’s impact on your Brita water filter pitcher? In terms of safety, Brita doesn’t recommend putting their pitchers, dispensers, or filters in the dishwasher because heat and harsh detergents can cause damage. Instead, they provide specific instructions for cleaning by hand to maintain the product’s reliability and prolong its life.
Join me as I discuss why you should not put your Brita in the dishwasher, including the potential damages, and how you can safely clean their products. Let’s dive in!
Is Your Brita Dishwasher Safe?
Brita has a wide variety of water filtration products including pitchers, dispensers, and bottles that play a significant role in delivering clean, filtered water to households. However, it’s important to note that these products are not designed to be dishwasher-safe.
Brita pitchers and dispensers, often used for storing and pouring filtered water, should not be put in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh cleaning agents can warp or crack the plastic structure, compromising the integrity and functionality of these items.
Similarly, Brita water bottles, which offer on-the-go filtration, are also not designed to withstand the often intense conditions within a dishwasher. Instead, they should be hand washed to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
Manufacturer Guidelines for Brita Cleaning
When cleaning Brita products, it’s important to adhere to the brand’s specific guidelines. Brita advises against using harsh, abrasive cleaning methods, and instead recommends a gentler approach.
- For pitchers and dispensers, Brita suggests that you disassemble the unit, carefully set aside the filter, and individually hand wash each part. Warm water and mild dish soap are preferred to maintain the product’s integrity.
- When cleaning Brita bottles, the brand recommends removing the filter before washing. The bottle and cap can then be cleaned with warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinsed thereafter.
Potential Damage from Dishwashing Brita Products
Ignoring Brita’s manufacturer guidelines and opting for dishwasher cleaning can have adverse effects on your filtering products. The dishwasher’s harsh conditions can lead to potential damage, compromising the functionality and lifespan of your Brita products.
The intense heat generated by a dishwasher can cause the plastic components of Brita pitchers, dispensers, or bottles to warp or crack. This structural damage not only interferes with the product’s usability but can also lead to leaks.
Apart from the heat, the strong detergents typically used in dishwashers can also be harmful. These substances might degrade the materials, causing brittleness or fading of your otherwise durable Brita items.
How to Safely Clean Your Brita Products
While Brita products aren’t dishwasher-friendly, there are other simple and effective ways to clean them that will keep them in top condition. Here are some safe cleaning tips:
- Cleaning your Brita pitcher, dispenser, or bottle manually is easier than you might think. Disassemble each part, set the filter aside, scrub gently with warm water and mild dish soap, and rinse thoroughly. This method is gentle on the materials and helps maintain their longevity.
- Brita products should ideally be cleaned every time a filter is replaced, or at least every couple of months.
- If you notice severe stains or discoloration, you can make a solution with one tablespoon of white vinegar to one cup of water. After soaking for a few minutes, use this solution to scrub the stained area. The vinegar acts as a natural cleaner that helps shift stubborn marks without causing damage.
Replacing Your Brita Filters
Maintaining your Brita’s performance doesn’t just come down to cleaning – replacing the filter at the right time also plays a vital role.
Brita suggests replacing the standard filter after filtering 40 gallons of water or every 2 months, whichever comes first. Brita’s Longlast filters, however, last for 120 gallons, so they can go up to 6 months before replacement.
One easy-to-spot sign that it’s time to change the filter is when your water starts filtering slower than usual. This could mean the filter is clogged and needs replacing.
To replace the filter, begin by removing the old one. Rinse the new filter under cold tap water for about 15 seconds, then insert it into the reservoir fitting it into the notches.
Are Alternatives to Brita Dishwasher Safe?
While Brita products aren’t dishwasher safe, some alternatives on the market claim to be more accommodating. However, the dishwasher safety of a product doesn’t necessarily reflect its performance or ease of maintenance.
Products like the Cleansui CSP Series and Black+Blum Eau Good are some filtration systems that claim to be dishwasher safe. Their dishwasher-friendly nature can offer a certain level of convenience when it comes to cleaning.
However, regardless of the brand, it’s critical to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to prevent unnecessary damage.
It’s also worth noting that while other brands may offer dishwasher-safe products, Brita stands out due to its trusted reputation, comprehensive range, and the effectiveness of its filters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although Brita’s wide range of water filtration products like pitchers, dispensers, and bottles provide households with clean, filtered water, they are not designed to be cleaned in a dishwasher. This is due to potential structural damage from the dishwasher’s high heat and harsh detergents.
