How Often Should I Change My Brita Filter?
Brita recommends changing your filter every 40 gallons or approximately every 2 months for standard filters. Brita Longlast filters last up to 6 months or 120 gallons. If you have hard water or use your pitcher heavily, replace more frequently.
| Item | Frequency | Signs It Needs Attention |
|---|---|---|
| Brita Filter | Every 2 months (standard) or 6 months (Longlast) | Water tastes or smells like chlorine again, Filtering takes noticeably longer than usual |
Why This Matters
An old Brita filter can harbor bacteria and actually make your water taste worse than tap water. Over time, the activated carbon becomes saturated and loses its ability to remove contaminants like chlorine, mercury, and copper.
5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Brita Filter Now
- Water tastes or smells like chlorine again
- Filtering takes noticeably longer than usual
- The filter indicator light turns red
- You notice particles or cloudiness in filtered water
- It's been more than 2 months since your last change
Pro Tips
- 1Mark the date on your calendar when you install a new filter
- 2Pre-soak new filters for 15 minutes before first use
- 3Store extra filters in a cool, dry place
- 4If unsure, err on the side of replacing sooner
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Brita filter longer than recommended?
It's not recommended. After the recommended period, the filter's effectiveness drops significantly and bacteria can grow.
Does the Brita filter indicator actually work?
The indicator is based on time, not actual filter usage. Heavy users should replace filters more often than the indicator suggests.
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