What NOT to do when Cleaning the Berkey Water Filter

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning your Berkey Water Filter, with 4 mistakes you need to avoid while cleaning the Berkey shell and filters.

Cleaning the Berkey Water Filter can feel a bit intimidating. I’d like to show you how simple it is, and walk you through the process I like to take as well as share with you 4 tips of what NOT to do when cleaning the Berkey.

DETAILED VIDEO ON CLEANING THE BERKEY

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN THE BERKEY FILTERS NEED TO BE CLEANED?

When you start to notice the water doesn’t filter completely through the top chamber, and it is filtering slowly, it is time to clean the Berkey!

You may also want to give it a good clean when it is brand new and out of the box.

HOW TO CLEAN THE BERKEY WATER FILTER

STEP 1: First remove the spigot and all small parts.

I like to keep a bowl of soapy water next to me to put all small parts in to soak.

STEP 2: Remove your plugs, black charcoal filters and fluoride filters – if you have them.

Just set them aside on a clean towel or plate.

STEP 3: Use a gentle dish soap (preferably no colorants or artificial fragrances) and a clean rag to wash the top and bottom stainless steel chambers.

use gentle soap to clean the berkey water filter shell

STEP 4: Scrub all small parts and lay out on a clean towel to dry.

wash all the berkey parts in soapy water

STEP 5: With a brand new, clean sponge, use the abrasive side to scrub the black filters while water runs over the filter.

scrub the berkey filters with a clean sponge

You don’t want a sponge that is too abrasive. I recommend these walnut scrubbers. I buy a big pack so I have them on hand when I need a clean one for the filters. You could also use a new soft bristle brush.

STEP 6: Reassemble the Berkey!

You should notice the water filtering much quicker and more thorough now that those filters are nice and clean.

4 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CLEANING THE BERKEY

A few words of caution that I feel is worth mentioning.

1 – Do NOT use hot water over your filters. You want this water to be cold as you are scrubbing the filters. You can use hot water on the steel chambers and parts.

2 – Do NOT use any kind of soap or cleaner on the charcoal filters. Running water only.

3 – Do NOT use a dirty sponge or scrubber brush. It needs to be free of any kind of bacteria or gunk so you don’t scrub harmful elements into the filter pours.

4 – Do NOT let your black filters dry out completely while you are in the process of cleaning. Otherwise, you may need to re-prime your filters. Basically, once you start – don’t stop until it’s done.

If you are cleaning your Berkey to store it away, you WILL want to let the filters dry completely.

clean the berkey filters with cold water

WHERE TO BUY A BERKEY WATER FILTER

I recommend buying a Berkey directly from the source so you can get their warranties and customer service. You can shop Berkey Water Filters here. You can use the coupon code “TIDBITS” to save 5% off your purchase!