How To Clean A Brita Water Dispenser

How To Clean a Brita Pitcher

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You'd think your Brita pitcher wouldn't get dirty because all it does it hold nice, clean water in the bacteria-averse environment of the refrigerator. But like anything else that's constantly exposed to water and frequently exposed to manhandling, it gets dirty. The one I just pulled out of my fridge has some smudges on the exterior — nothing egregious — and (ack) mildew inside the lid opening.

So while Brita pitchers don't need as much care as other kitchen tools, they need a nice deep-clean once in a while. Here's what to do.

How To Clean a Brita Pitcher

What You Need

Dish soap
Sponge
White vinegar
Water
Measuring cup
Dish towel or drying rack
New filter

Instructions

Take the pitcher apart: Pour out any water, remove the filter, and take the pitcher apart to separate the lid and reservoir. Discard the filter (you should be doing this every two to six months, anyway).
Wash the pieces: Scrub the lid and reservoir with dish soap and warm water.
Attack the mildew: If you still have mildewy bits, make a mixture of one teaspoon white vinegar to one cup of water. Dip your sponge into the mixture, then use it to scrub off the mildew.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the lid and reservoir with clean water, then set upside down on a dish towel or drying rack to air-dry.
Prep the new filter: In the meantime, follow your pitcher model's instructions to prep the new filter (newer Brita models don't need the full pre-soak that old ones used to require).
Reassemble the pitcher: Put the pieces back together again and follow your pitcher's instructions for discarding the first three or so pitchers of water until you no longer see carbon dust in the water.

Notes

Don't have a Brita? This method will work for any kind of water-purifying pitcher you have in your kitchen.

Ayn-Monique Klahre

Contributor

Ayn-Monique is a lifestyle editor and writer who's worked for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, FamilyFun and more. She loves lattes, jogging and hanging out at the playground with her husband and daughters.

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