How often should a household water filter be cleaned? How to clean it?
Household water filters have become an indispensable device in modern households. They can effectively remove impurities, chemicals and microorganisms from tap water, ensuring the safety and health of drinking water. However, after a period of use, the internal filter element of the water filter will accumulate a large amount of impurities. If it is not cleaned or replaced in time, it will not only affect the filtering effect of the water filter, but may also cause water quality to deteriorate and even cause health hazards.
Therefore, regular cleaning of household water filters is an important step to maintain its performance and ensure the safety of household water. So, how often should a household water filter be cleaned? How to clean a water filter correctly? This article will explore these issues in detail.
How often should a household water filter be cleaned?
The frequency of cleaning a water filter depends on many factors, including the type of water filter, the frequency of use, the water quality and the material of the filter element. Generally, the following standards can be used to determine the frequency of cleaning:
Type of water filter
There are various types of household water filters on the market, including activated carbon water filters, reverse osmosis water filters, ultrafiltration water filters and ion exchange water filters. Different types of water filters have different filter lifespans and cleaning requirements.
● Activated carbon water filter: The activated carbon filter can absorb chlorine, odor, organic matter, etc. in water, but it is easy to saturate and fail. Generally speaking, the activated carbon filter needs to be cleaned every 1-3 months, and it is recommended to replace it every six months to one year.
● Reverse osmosis water filter: The filter element of the reverse osmosis system usually includes a pre-filter, a reverse osmosis membrane, and a post-filter. The pre-filter needs to be cleaned every 3-6 months, and the cleaning frequency of the reverse osmosis membrane is lower, usually cleaned or replaced once a year or so.
● Ultrafiltration water filter: The pore size of the ultrafiltration membrane is extremely small and is easily blocked by particles in the water. It generally needs to be cleaned every 3-6 months and backwashed regularly.
● Ion exchange water filter: The regeneration cycle of the ion exchange resin depends on the water quality and usage. It usually needs to be regenerated every 3-6 months, depending on the water hardness and frequency of use.
Frequency of use
The household's water consumption and the frequency of use of the water filter directly affect the life and cleaning cycle of the filter element. If there are many family members and the water consumption is high, the filter element of the water filter will accumulate dirt faster and need to be cleaned more frequently. Generally, it is recommended to clean a water filter with high usage frequency every 1-2 months.
Water quality
The quality of tap water varies greatly. In areas with poor water quality, the content of impurities such as silt, rust, and chlorine in tap water is higher, the burden on the filter element is heavier, and the cleaning cycle needs to be shortened. In areas with better water quality, the cleaning frequency can be appropriately extended.
Filter element material
The material of the filter element also affects its cleaning frequency. For example, the PP cotton filter element has a good interception effect on large particles of impurities, but it is also easy to clog and needs to be cleaned or replaced frequently; and the activated carbon filter element has an adsorption function, but once it is saturated, the cleaning effect is not good and needs to be replaced in time.
Based on the above factors, it is generally recommended that the cleaning cycle of household water filters is between 1-3 months, and the specific situation should be adjusted according to the type of water filter, frequency of use, water quality and filter element material.
How to clean a household water filter?
Cleaning a household water filter can not only extend the service life of the filter element, but also ensure the stability of the filtering effect. So, how to clean the water filter correctly? The following are detailed steps and precautions.
Preparation
Before cleaning the water filter, you need to prepare, including closing the water inlet valve, preparing cleaning tools and understanding the structure of the water filter.
● Close the water inlet valve: Before cleaning the water filter, be sure to close the water inlet valve of the water filter to prevent water from continuing to enter the water filter during the cleaning process.
● Prepare cleaning tools: Cleaning the water filter requires some basic tools, such as a cleaning brush, soft cloth, clean water, etc. If you need to replace the filter element, you also need to prepare a new filter element.
● Understand the structure of the water filter: The structure of water filters of different brands and models may be different. Before cleaning, you can refer to the instruction manual to understand the removal and installation methods of the filter element.
Removing the filter element
The cleaning of the water filter is mainly concentrated on the filter element, so you need to remove the filter element from the water filter first.
● Unscrew the water filter housing: The filter element is usually located inside the water filter housing. Use appropriate tools (such as a filter wrench) to unscrew the housing and remove the filter element.
● Check the condition of the filter element: After removing the filter element, check whether there is obvious dirt, blockage or odor on its surface. If the filter element has obviously failed or damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
Clean the filter element
The cleaning method of the filter element varies depending on the material, but the overall steps are as follows:
● Clean the PP cotton filter element: The PP cotton filter element is mainly used to intercept large particles of impurities. The surface of the filter element can be rinsed with clean water to remove attached sand and impurities. If the filter element has turned yellow or is severely clogged, it is recommended to replace it.
● Clean the activated carbon filter element: The cleaning of the activated carbon filter element is relatively complicated. It is recommended to gently rinse the surface with clean water and do not rub it hard to avoid damaging the activated carbon particles. If the activated carbon filter element is saturated and failed, it is recommended to replace it directly.
● Cleaning the ultrafiltration membrane: The pore size of the ultrafiltration membrane is extremely small and is easily blocked by fine particles. Backwashing can be used for cleaning, that is, clean water flows in the opposite direction of the membrane to wash away impurities on the membrane surface.
● Cleaning the reverse osmosis membrane: The cleaning of the reverse osmosis membrane requires more professional cleaning agents, and it is generally recommended to be operated by professionals. If the user cleans it by himself, a special reverse osmosis membrane cleaning solution must be used and operated according to the instructions.
Disinfecting the water filter
While cleaning the filter element, the outer shell and internal pipes of the water filter also need to be disinfected to prevent bacterial growth.
● Wiping with disinfectant: You can use a diluted disinfectant (such as chlorine bleach) to wipe the outer shell and internal pipes of the water filter, especially the contact parts of the filter element.
● Rinse clean: After disinfection, you need to fully rinse the inside of the water filter with clean water to ensure that the residual disinfectant is completely removed.
Reinstall the filter element
After cleaning or replacing the filter element, reinstall the filter element into the water filter according to the instructions.
● Ensure sealing: When installing the filter element, check whether the sealing ring of the water filter is intact and ensure that there is no water leakage between the filter element and the water filter housing.
● Restore water supply: After the filter element is installed, tighten the water filter housing, open the water inlet valve, and restore water supply. When using it for the first time, you can drain some water first to ensure that the air and cleaning residues in the filter element are discharged.
Test water quality
After cleaning the water filter or replacing the filter element, it is recommended to test the water quality to ensure that the water filter is working properly and the water quality meets the safety standards.
● Sensory test: You can make a preliminary judgment on whether the water quality is normal by observing the color of the water, smelling the odor, tasting the taste, etc.
● Testing tools: Families with conditions can use tools such as TDS pens and residual chlorine test papers to test the water quality to ensure that the filtering effect meets expectations.
What are the precautions for cleaning household water filters?
When cleaning the water filter, avoid using overly irritating detergents, such as strong acids and strong alkaline detergents. These chemicals may damage the filter material and affect the filtering effect. Secondly, cleaning the filter element can only extend its service life, and it cannot be used indefinitely. When the filter element reaches the end of its service life, it should be replaced in time to ensure the safety of drinking water.
In addition, during the cleaning process, avoid leaving the water filter housing in a humid environment for a long time, as moisture can easily breed bacteria and affect the hygiene of the water filter. The cleaning and replacement cycles of the filter element may vary for water filters of different brands and models. Users should read the instruction manual carefully and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.