With the rising water pollution cases, it feels good knowing that the glass of water you are taking is filtered. While enjoying your glass of clean water, some drawbacks come along. One of the major concerns is the cleaning and maintenance of the water filters. Water filters are like any other item you own, such as your car. They require maintenance to prevent them from breaking down. Apart from avoiding the breakdown, proper maintenance ensures that you continue to enjoy the benefits of consuming purified water.
So, how do you clean your home’s water filtration? Do you need a professional to help with the process? Well, this article has every bit of info you may need. Continue reading to find a step-by-step guide on how to clean your water filter, depending on the model you are using.
1- Cleaning reverse osmosis filters
Reverse osmosis filters are common in many homes. The name itself sees many people assume that they are challenging to clean, which isn’t always the case. These models consist of two levels. There is usually the first level (reverse osmosis membrane filter), which performs most of the work. Then, there is the pre-filter level, which consists of using activated carbon.
Without saying much, I will proceed to give you a guide on how you should clean the two levels for safe water. For the step after this one, most people ask for help with cleaning as they find those levels, especially, to be complex to deal with.
i. Preparation
The first and most crucial step is preparing for the process. One thing to observe is that your hands should be thoroughly cleaned before you begin the cleaning. A pair of gloves is also ok. It comes in handy. Once you are ready, you should proceed to release the water from the filtration system and tank. Then, continue to shut off the system’s faucet as well.
ii. Reveal the pre-filter
Continue to open the casing and remove the pre-filter. Also, it would be best if you took out the osmosis membrane. The task may be a pain in the neck. However, with a wrench, this should be easy to crack.
iii. Pour some cleaner and run through water
Most people prefer using chemical cleaners to sanitize the system. Well, they work well in this case. You can as well use unscented bleach to clean the system. Pour the cleanser into your filter housing and then run through before rinsing the system to clear the buildup.
iv. Wipe dry and resemble the system
Once you are sure that all the chemical or bleach is out of the way, you should continue to wipe dry the system. You wouldn’t want any of the chemical cleaner to remain. After, you should reassemble the system and then restart it to continue enjoying clean and purified water.
2- Cleaning carbon/charcoal filters
Most carbon block filters consist of three layers. There is the inside solid carbon block layer wrapped around its paper layer. The truth is that the cleaning of carbon/charcoal filters is similar to that of cleaning reverse osmosis filters. The only difference is that you have got to be careful with the filters. Another thing to note is that the cleaning should be done in a well-ventilated area now that you will be using chemicals to sanitize the system. With your pair of gloves on standby, you should proceed with the step-by-step guide, as highlighted below.
i. Add half a gallon of clean water into a bucket
ii. Add two cups of muriatic acid to the water and stir constantly
iii. Using a hose, rinse your filter thoroughly to remove any debris or buildup that may have stuck on it. Once all the debris is gone, put the filters inside the solution and allow it to sink. Allow it to settle there for around five minutes, as this allows time to get rid of the contaminants.
iv. Take out the filter from the solution and place it in clean water and let it soak for five minutes. You can use a hose to clean the filter before reassembling it thoroughly.
3- Cleaning a refrigerator water filter
Today’s refrigerators usually come with a slim filter, usually located in the back and the top of the fridge. These two filters help support the filter and lines found at the bottom of the refrigerator. Around the filters, you should see a release button. Turn it to the left and pull out the filter. Empty the filter and then soak it in alcohol, vinegar, or soap for about fifteen minutes. Once the 15 minutes are over, take the filter out and give it about an hour to dry before returning it in its compartment.
Conclusion
Cleaning your home’s filtration is an essential task. It helps ensure that you continue enjoying your glass of purified water. Often, many people assume it to be a complicated task. As explained in this article, it’s a straightforward task that can be accomplished without the need for professional help. By reading through this article, you will understand how to clean every type of water filter within your house without having to break a sweat.
