How to Clean Ceramic Water Filter Cartridges (Step-by-Step)

Cleaning a ceramic water filter helps improve water flow rate and extends the filter’s lifespan. In this quick guide, we’ve shared the step-by-step process of cleaning a ceramic water filter.

🧼 How to Clean Ceramic Water Filters: Step-By-Step

Follow the steps below to properly clean a ceramic filter.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials & Wash Hands

Start by washing your hands so that the filter doesn’t become contaminated by anything that could be on your skin.

Then gather the tools and equipment you’ll need to clean the filter.

You will need:

• A soft scouring pad (NOT steel wool)
• A towel
• Clean water
• Ceramic candle filter
• Filter housing wrench (optional)

Step 2: Remove The Ceramic Filter

Remove the filter from the water filtration system if you haven’t already.

If you have an urn system, just twist the filter to unscrew it from the unit.

If you have a canister-type filter, place a towel beneath the filter system and unscrew the filter housing with your hand. Or, use the provided filter housing wrench/spanner if the housing is too tightly screwed on. Open the canister and carefully remove the filter.

💡 Remember to shut off your water supply if you’re removing a filter from a water filtration system that’s directly connected to your water line, such as an under-sink system.

Try to avoid touching the fragile ceramic surface of the filter with your hands. Hold onto the filter thread or plastic cap to reduce the risk of breakages and contamination.

Step 3: Prepare The Filter & Sink

If your filter has a threaded mount, you’ll need to cover it with plastic, secured by a rubber band, to prevent the inside of the filter from getting contaminated during cleaning.

Also prepare the sink that you’ll use to clean the ceramic filter. We recommend cushioning the bottom of the sink with a towel to minimize damage if you accidentally drop the filter during cleaning.

Step 4: Gently Scrub The Filter

Hold the filter under running water from your cold faucet and gently scrub the entire filter with up-and-down motions. Spin the filter around as you clean it to make sure you reach all areas. Make sure to scrub away from the threaded mount to prevent contamination.

Use a plastic brush or a soft toothbrush to clean in difficult-to-reach locations.

Continue cleaning the filter until the old white colored layer becomes visible.

Step 5: Re-Install The Filter

Your clean filter is now ready to reinstall. Rinse the filter in running water, then reattach it to the filtered water system.

Make sure the filter is properly seated in the housing.

You should be able to use the filter to produce filtered water straight away, and you should notice an improvement in water pressure and flow instantly. If the water filtration process is still taking twice as long as normal, it might be time to consider replacement filters.

🔁 How Many Times Can You Clean A Ceramic Filter?

On average, ceramic filters can be cleaned up to 50 times.

However, if your filter contains activated carbon granules, you’ll need to replace it every 6-9 months because activated carbon can’t be cleaned and reused like ceramic media, so it’ll get exhausted at a faster rate.

Check your user manual for exact details on when, and how many times, the manufacturer recommended that you clean your filter.

🤔 Why Clean A Ceramic Water Filter?

Over time, the outer surface of ceramic filter candles becomes clogged with chemical contaminants, volatile organic compounds, sediment, and other impurities. The only way to get rid of these contaminants is to clean the filter regularly.

Cleaning a ceramic water filter has the following benefits:

• Improved flow rate – When you clean a ceramic filter candle, you remove the built-up contaminants from the ceramic surface. This reduces clogging and helps water to flow through the filter pores, improving flow rate.
• Extended filter lifespan – Most water filters need to be replaced once they become saturated with contaminants. Because ceramic filters can be cleaned, you can extend their lifespan by removing impurities and clearing blockages in the filter’s porous surface.
• Ensures safe drinking water – Regularly cleaning a ceramic filter’s microscopic pores will prevent pathogens like bacteria and algae from accumulating in the filtration media, ensuring safe drinking water in the long term.
• Save money – In all, cleaning a ceramic cartridge filter will reduce the number of filter changes needed, helping you to cut down on maintenance costs for your ceramic filtration system.

📆 When Should You Replace A Ceramic Water Filter?

Unfortunately, your ceramic filter will eventually reach the end of its lifespan, even with regular cleaning.

Most ceramic filters have a lifespan of 6 months to 3 years, depending on your water usage and quality.

❔ How to Clean Ceramic Filter: FAQ

Can you clean a ceramic filter?

Yes, you can clean and reuse most ceramic filters. If you’re not sure whether or not your ceramic filter is suitable for cleaning, check your user manual or contact the manufacturer.

How long does ceramic filter last?

The average ceramic filter system has a filter lifespan of 6 months to 3 years. Your water quality and water usage, as well as how well you maintain the filter, affect the lifespan of the filter.

Can you clean a ceramic filter that contains carbon media?

You might be able to clean a ceramic filter that contains activated carbon filter media, but read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Keep in mind that carbon can’t be cleaned and reused like ceramic. Some ceramic water filters might make it easy for you to pour out the old carbon media and replace it with fresh carbon media every time you clean the ceramic shell.